Food riots as floods swamp South Asia
By Sharat Pradhan
Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:24am EDT
LUCKNOW, India (Reuters) – Flood victims demanding food and shelter beat up government officials in India on Friday as monsoon rains spread misery among millions of people across South Asia and forced thousands from their homes.
People take shelter at the road side as floodwaters from the Saptakoshi River created havoc in Sunsari August 21, 2008. Wednesday.REUTERS/Jitendra Khadka. Image may be subject to copyright.
Rising rivers have crumpled embankments, swamped farmlands and destroyed homes, killing almost 1,000 people since the monsoon rains began in June. More …
Stranded people make their way through flood waters in the eastern Indian state of Bihar August 22, 2008. Flood victims demanding food and shelter beat up government officials in India on Friday as monsoon rains spread misery among millions of people across South Asia and forced thousands from their homes. REUTERS/Krishna Murari Kishan. Image may be subject to copyright.
Season’s Death Toll
- India: about 1,000 people;
- Nepal: up to 100;
- Bangladesh as many as 50.
Other casualty
- Up to 10,000 flood victims treated for water-borne diseases.
Displaced
- Up to one half of a million people have been displaced in Bangladesh, Nepal and India in last week alone.
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