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Imran Khan in Bhubaneswar
The toll in the Orissa floods has risen to 70 on Monday with more reports of death expected from areas cut off, official sources said.
The unofficial figure has crossed 80.
More than eight million people have been affected by the flood and over 200000 people were still marooned in the worst hit districts of Jagatsinghpur, Kenderapara, Puri, Jajpur and Cuttack.
According to a state government document, which was sent to the Centre, the death toll has risen to 70. It may be recalled that officially the death toll was only 42 till Sunday morning.
The number of affected population as well as affected villages also increased compared to last official report.
An Orissa government source told rediff.com that reports of death toll may increase. "The news of death toll has yet to come from marooned areas, we expect it will come soon," he said.
Officials are worried about reports of the spread of water borne disease like diarrohea and jaundice.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has reviewed a high level meeting of the officials on Sunday night to take stock of the situation about relief and rescue operation in the flood affected districts.
Officials admit that now the main concern is providing relief materials to the affected people and rehabilitating the victims.
Meanwhile, the Orissa government has sought the assistance of neighbouring states to meet the crisis.
Epidemic threat looms over Orissa
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