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Indian ferry capsizes in heavy storm Indian ferry capsizes in heavy storm
(40 minutes later)
A packed ferry has capsized in heavy winds and rain in remote north-eastern India, leaving at least 35 people dead and 165 missing, police said.A packed ferry has capsized in heavy winds and rain in remote north-eastern India, leaving at least 35 people dead and 165 missing, police said.
The Assam state police chief, JN Choudhury, said the boat was carrying about 350 passengers when it broke in two. About 150 people traveling on the top deck were rescued or swam to safety, he said.The Assam state police chief, JN Choudhury, said the boat was carrying about 350 passengers when it broke in two. About 150 people traveling on the top deck were rescued or swam to safety, he said.
Details were sketchy because bad weather and the remoteness of the area hampered communication.Details were sketchy because bad weather and the remoteness of the area hampered communication.
Choudhury said the accident occurred on the Brahmaputra river near Fakiragram in west Dhubri district. The area is about 215 miles (350km) west of the state capital, Gauhati, and close to where the river enters Bangladesh. He said officials in that country had been contacted for help.Choudhury said the accident occurred on the Brahmaputra river near Fakiragram in west Dhubri district. The area is about 215 miles (350km) west of the state capital, Gauhati, and close to where the river enters Bangladesh. He said officials in that country had been contacted for help.
The area is dotted with riverside settlements and small islands, and boats are the most common mode of transport. Most ferries are overcrowded, with little regard for safety regulations.The area is dotted with riverside settlements and small islands, and boats are the most common mode of transport. Most ferries are overcrowded, with little regard for safety regulations.
Strong winds and rain are likely to have caused the accident, Choudhury said. Police and paramilitaries were sent to help villagers with rescue efforts, he said.Strong winds and rain are likely to have caused the accident, Choudhury said. Police and paramilitaries were sent to help villagers with rescue efforts, he said.
Mohan Lal, a senior officer with the border security force, said troops were at the accident site and using hand-held searchlights. He said a team of federal rescue workers was also on its way.Mohan Lal, a senior officer with the border security force, said troops were at the accident site and using hand-held searchlights. He said a team of federal rescue workers was also on its way.
Lal said troops had located the upturned boat but was unable to lift it without a crane. Lal said troops had located broken pieces of the upturned boat but were unable to lift them without a crane.
The Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, issued a statement expressing shock and grief at the loss of life.The Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, issued a statement expressing shock and grief at the loss of life.