- Title: INDIA: Floods wash away homes and livelihoods in eastern Orissa state
- Date: 10th August 2010
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Oriya) KUMUDINI SARAF, A LOCAL, SAYING: "The flood water entered our house and we tried to save our children. By that time everything was washed away. The flood washed away the crops and all our belonging inside the house."
- Embargoed: 25th August 2010 16:17
- Keywords:
- Location: India
- Country: India
- Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes
- Reuters ID: LVA50ROJF3FATKD2WUJXNZX6ROMY
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Flash floods caused by torrential rains in Kalahandi district of eastern India's Orissa state have thrown life in the region into disarray.
The flood inundated residential areas and agricultural lands on Saturday (August 7), rendering thousands homeless.
"About 70,000 acres of cultivated land is destroyed and a lot of roads and bridges are broken. The total damage can be calculated to about 500 crore," said Bhakta Das, a lawmaker from the district.
Houses collapsed in nearby villages as floodwater covered the area.
"The flood water entered our house and we tried to save our children. By that time everything was washed away. The flood washed away the crops and all our belonging inside the house," said Kumudini Saraf, a local.
Many newly homeless residents are flocking in relief camps managed by the district authorities.
Polythene sheets, utensils and food are provided to flood victims.
S. N. Patra, Revenue Minister of Orissa, said money for repairing a major bridge on the Hati River would be provided. He said: "The Hati River has a bend and the bridge stonework at the turning point is not good, and has caused soil erosion in the river bank. We have sanctioned money for repairs."
According to officials, about 25,000 people in 10 villages have been severely affected by the flash floods, which caused rivers such as the Hati River to overflow, inundating bridges and roads.
Several parts of eastern India are reeling under floods following heavy monsoon rains. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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