Fresh floods reported in Orissa

Some people to have had no food for several days

By Jill McGivering in Orissa

Eighty deaths have now been confirmed in the eastern Indian state of Orissa after some of the worst flooding the area has ever seen.

Some 13,000 villages are affected

The official death toll has risen day by day as more information emerges from the worst affected areas.

The number of villages affected has risen to 13,000.

Many villages are still cut off and aid drops are continuing from military helicopters to reach the stranded.

In some areas the water is starting to recede, making it possible for villagers to wade to dry land and access relief there.

Fresh floods

Anecdotal reports say some families had been without food for several days.

But just as the emergency relief effort seemed to be extending its reach, more news is coming in of fresh floods in the north of the state.

Reports from there say about 300 villages have been freshly flooded and are now marooned.

The water in two of the state's rivers is now reaching danger levels.

Monsoon season

This is just the start of the monsoon season and many people fear the torrential rain and flooding could last for many more weeks to come.

Government officials say they are now sending medical teams to outlying areas in response to reports of a growing number of cases of intestinal infections.

There have also been sporadic protests by villagers who are angry that aid hasn't reached them.

Tons of food are being made available by international agencies and the state government - but boats are in short supply and distribution is still extremely difficult.