ASIA/INDIA - Hundreds of deaths and over 400 000 people homeless due to heavy floods in the country

Pazarbhanga (Agenzia Fides) - Since last June the heavy rainfalls in India have caused 109 deaths and at least 400,000homeless in the northeastern State of Assam. According to experts, the tragedy
was compounded by corruption and mismanagement of the river Brahmaputra resources. These are the worst floods recorded in recent times. Over the past 60 years, the authorities have built dams along most of the river. These dams, however, have not been properly maintained and have not allowed the river sediments to disperse in its natural channel, causing the obstruction and the increased frequency and intensity of floods. Retaining walls of water have also caused devastating floods in neighboring Bangladesh. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 18/7/2012)