Deaths, and costs, mount in South Asia floods as disease breaks out

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

DHAKA (AFP) — The death toll from floods swamping parts of South Asia mounted as rescuers rushed medicines to thousands who have fallen sick from waterborne disease.

At least 1,256 people have died in Bangladesh, India and Nepal in flooding that has submerged parts of the region since July 10, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Media reports say the final toll may be far higher.

In India, the countrywide toll now stands at 697 while the figure rose to 473 in Bangladesh Friday, although the country's official BSS news agency said unconfirmed reports suggested the figure was "much higher".

At last count, the death toll in Nepal was 86.

The cost of the flooding in Bangladesh was at least seven billion dollars, the agency added, quoting...