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India floods a 'calamity', says PM

By Claire Mackay in New Delhi

Posted August 29, 2008 06:01:00
Updated August 29, 2008 10:52:00

Indian flood refugees housed in temporary camp

2 million homeless: Children at a temporary relief camp in Bihar (AFP)

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says widespread flooding in his country's north-east is a "national calamity".

Dr Singh announced a relief package of $265 million and 125,000 tonnes of grain for those affected when a monsoon-swollen river changed course, flooding huge swathes of the country's impoverished Bihar state.

The Kosi River broke its banks 10 days ago and flooding has left 2 million people homeless and 1 million stranded.

The army and air force are struggling to reach people in need of food and medicine.

Dr Singh announced the aid package after touring the region by helicopter.

"If there is a need for more we will give more," he said.

On Thursday the reported death toll from the flooding was 46, but officials say with so many people still stranded the number is expected to climb.

Tags: disasters-and-accidents, floods, india

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