North East India Issues Drought Warning

(15 Jul 09 - RV) Much of India is facing the threat of a major drought after the worst start to the vital monsoon season in eight decades, despite flash floods in the East that killed at least 15 people.


In the north-eastern states of Assam and Manipur, authorities have already declared droughts after scant rain, though in the flood-prone eastern coastal state of Orissa, the government told local authorities to stock food and put rescue teams on standby as heavy rain stranded thousands, with more downpours expected.


This is just weeks after a deadly cyclone swept through the region, leaving thousands of people homeless.


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