Death Toll From Flooding Nears 120 in Western India
Twenty-five bodies were found in Gujarat on Wednesday as water receded
The death toll from flooding in India climbed to 119 on Wednesday as floodwaters began to recede, officials said. That number includes 25 people, including 17 from one family alone, that were found dead in the Banaskantha district, Gujarat on Wednesday. "In all 25 bodies were fished out from two villages on the bank of Banas river," assistant superintendent of police Aksharaj Makwana told AFP. In the neighboring state of Rajasthan, the death count rose to 19. The streets continued to look more like canals, as trapped residents huddled on the rooftops of residential buildings awaiting the arrival of rescue workers. Using boats and helicopters, rescue workers continued to take flood victims to safety. They have already evacuated 36,000 people from affected areas. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the states hardest-hit by monsoon flooding on Tuesday, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Gufarat - his home state. He urged resiliance and promised a quick government response. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts more rain for the region for the rest of the week.