Over 200 villages inundated by flood waters in West Bengal

Over 200 villages in West Bengal's West Medinipur District have been inundated by flood waters, following heavy rainfall in the region.

The worst affected villages are in Garhbeta, Ghatal, Chandrakona and Khirpai, as rains have lashed these areas for the past three days.

Raju Mahato, a villager, said: "Water has entered people's homes. The people aren't able to stay in their homes at night. They are facing difficulties and are up all night. There aren't any arrangements, in terms of shelter made for the victims of the floods. The party workers aren't doing anything to help us. They are not even interested in helping."

Water levels in Silaboti, Jhumi and Darkeswar Rivers have been rising. The district administration is said to be monitoring the situation.

India experiences monsoons from June to September, vital for its agriculture. But the rains frequently affect millions of people, devastating crops and homes and sparking outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhoea and dysentery.

Poor management of water levels in dams has also led to huge volumes of water being released into rivers, said aid workers. Local populations also accuse officials of siphoning off funds meant for flood risk projects, resulting in shoddy repair and poor construction of embankments that are regularly breached.