Flood claims 208 lives in Bengal, 165 still remain missing

Airdropping of food by three army helicopters still continued in the three worst-affected districts of Murshidabad, Nadia and Burdwan.

Unofficial sources, however, put the toll at 350.

Over 1.35 crore people in eight districts were, so far, affected by the flash-floods with the state administration apprehending fresh damage during the ensuing high tide on September 27.

Airdropping of food would continue till the situation came under control, the ministers said.

Thirty-two army boats, 40 civil defence boats and six launches, besides 850 country boats, were already in service to rescue the marooned. Six more launches would be requisitioned tomorrow, they said.