Several feared dead in Assam ferry capsize

Guwahati, April 30 (IANS) Several people were feared drowned after a ferry capsized in the Brahmaputra river in Dhubri district Monday evening. There were over 200 people on the ferry.

Locals said the incident took place in the evening when the ferry was on its way to Madattari under Fakirganj police station from Dhubri town. The ferry was caught up in a heavy storm, they said.

While some people were rescued by locals, most were still missing and rescue operations were on.

Dhubri Superintendent of Police P. Saloi, who confirmed the incident, told IANS that the number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained.

"Rescue operations are going on with the help of BSF personnel. We have also called in the services of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)," said Saloi.