India: Floods leave 470 dead in 8 states

In the middle of coronavirus pandemic, the monsoon has unleashed its fury in eight states causing more than 470 deaths due to floods and landslides, with the highest toll recorded in West Bengal, Assam, and Gujarat, Report says, citing  The Times of India.

It is the second disaster striking India since March this year, resulting in the deployment of at least 70 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rescue and relief.

In the current monsoon season, West Bengal has reported the highest flood-related deaths at 142, excluding five missings, followed by Assam (111) and Gujarat (81). The other worst-affected states include Maharashtra with 46 fatalities and Madhya Pradesh 44, according to an assessment by the Union home ministry.

Kerala, which had seen maximum casualties last year along with Maharashtra, has reported 23 deaths with 13 of its districts inundated. At least 800 relief camps have been opened in these states for providing shelter to the evacuated populations.