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Boat sinks in flooded northern India, killing 20

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-30 14:40

PATNA, India - Police say a boat rescuing people in a flooded area of northern India has capsized, killing 20 people.

Related readings:  1 million cut off by monsoon floods in India  13 killed as heavy rains lash south India

O. N. Bhaskar, the superintendent of police, says the accident occurred Friday night in Madhepura district, 95 miles northeast of Patna, the capital of Bihar state.

Bhaskar says eight people swam to safety and 32 were rescued by the army rescue workers.

Some 1.2 million people have been marooned and about 2 million more affected in Bihar state, where the Kosi river burst its banks, breached safety embankments and flooded vast areas.