Odisha flood death toll rises to 37

Bhubaneswar, Aug 8 :

The death toll in the Odisha floods rose to 37 Friday even as situation improved in most parts of the state, an official said.

Two more deaths were reported in the state taking the toll in rain- and flood-related incidents since July to 37, a senior official of the state revenue department told IANS.

The flood situation improved in most of the districts with water level in all the rivers falling below danger level, he said.

However, thousands of people continued to live in relief camps and on embankments as their houses were either submerged in flood water or were damaged, he said.

The floods have hit nearly 2.5 million people and half a million live stocks in 23 of state’s 30 districts. About 1.6 lakh people in 281 villages were still marooned, he said. The number of livestock killed in the floods stands at 90.

The floods have damaged crops over 2.4 million hectares, he said

The official said that 210 free kitchens were being run to provide free meals to over 73,000 people displaced by floods.

The rains and floods had damaged 23626 houses, he added.

(IANS)