Bihar, West Bengal: Storm toll rises up to 124

The toll in the devastating storm that lashed Bihar, West Bengal and Assam on Tuesday, climbed to 124 on Thursday with six more bodies found in Purnia and two in North Dinajpur.

Six bodies were found from Purnia district in Bihar, taking the toll to 83, Divisional Commissioner of Purnia, Sudhir Kumar, said.

The figure rose to 41 in West Bengal with the recovery of two more bodies in North Dinajpur district.

The storm with a windspeed of 125 kmph left behind a trail of death and destruction. Several houses were flattened, crops damaged and thousands of trees uprooted.

While compensation cheques of Rs 1.50 lakh were being given to the next of kin in Bihar's affected districts, an official in North Dinajpur said that compensation in the district would be given soon.

Over 25,000 people were rendered homeless in five districts of Bihar -- Purnia, Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj and Supaul and about two lakh in North Dinajpur district.

In Bihar, 15,000 dwellings were destroyed, while in North Dinajpur one lakh were flattened and another lakh partially damaged.

Kumar said operations were continuing on a war-footing to reach relief material to affected families.

One quintal of foodgrains and Rs 2000 in cash were also being provided to those affected by the storm, he said.