200,000 are marooned in east Indian floods

Floodwaters from the raging Mahanadi River have submerged vast areas of the eastern Indian state of Orissa, affecting about 2.5 million people, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. A correspondent said at least 300 people were killed in one town alone in flash floods that struck five days before, and 200,000 people were marooned in villages. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said every effort was being made to drop food to the survivors. The Air Force, Navy, and Army are using helicopters and boats in relief operations in the flood-stricken areas.