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Orissa 'condemned to flooding'

"Experts in the eastern Indian state of Orissa say "it should brace itself for more severe flooding in "years to come because of deforestation, faulty "flood control planning and global climate changes.

"Nearly 10 million people in the state are currently struggling with the worst floods in 50 years. "

"More than 15,000 villages have been flooded and more "than 200,000 houses have been damaged."

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"International aid agencies are appealing to Western governments for emergency funds to help the Indian state of Orissa, where an estimated seven million people have been affected by severe flooding.

Charities including Save the Children, Oxfam and Action Aid say at least one million people desperately need emergency relief.

About 500,000 villagers in remote areas are still thought to be totally cut off by flood waters.

Many say they still have not received food or medical supplies."

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"A report released in India by Oxfam has attacked Indian policymakers and the media for paying scant attention to natural disasters. "

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"Cholera epidemic feared in Orissa"

"More than 9,000 died after a powerful cyclone ripped through the coastal districts of Orissa at the end of last month.

District authorities have committed themselves to clearing all the corpses by 20 November. Throughout the state, piles of bodies are being cremated in giant pyres.

There are fears the final rest toll could reach 20,000, as more bodies are uncovered. But some say the figure may never be known because many bodies were washed out to sea."

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"Disease and malnutrition are spreading rapidly through the Indian state of Orissa where a devastating cyclone has left millions homeless.

Reports say people marooned for days by the flooding which followed the storm have died of starvation.

Hundreds of others have been admitted to hospitals suffering from gastro-enteritis and diarrhoea."

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Neil Boss

What a Sethi!