Scores killed by floods in north India

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LUCKNOW, India (AFP) — At least 87 people have died in northern India following heavy monsoon rains and flooding, officials said Monday.

The bulk of the casualties were reported from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, with 73 people killed in the past 48 hours, state revenue secretary Balwainder Kumar told AFP.

Most of the deaths happened when houses of the victims collapsed during the downpours, Kumar said.

The other 14 deaths occurred in the northern state of Punjab, where a major river overflowed, officials said.

According to the weather office, more rains were forecast for the next 24 hours, with all the major rivers flowing over the danger mark.

"The rainfall this season is 25 percent above normal. There will be a gradual weakening of...