Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082856091300.htm

National

21 districts in U.P. ravaged: Mayawati

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday asked officials to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures on a war-footing in flood-affected areas.

Addressing a press conference here, the Chief Minster said the floods had ravaged 3,691 villages in 21 districts.

Ms. Mayawati directed Irrigation Minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui and Chief Secretary Atul Kumar Gupta to monitor the situation, and ordered distribution of relief materials to the affected.

She said 721 people died in floods and rain. The level in the Gomti has been rising for the past four days following release of water in the Neemsar and the Bhatpurwa upstream. The flood waters of the river have submerged several areas of Lucknow.

Some districts were in the grip of a viral fever and malaria, claiming 36 lives.