At least 10 dead in boats capsizal in India

At least 10 people were killed after three small boats carrying them capsized in India's northeastern state of Assam, officials said Monday.

According to officials so far 10 bodies had been fished out from the river Sabanjoria.

Reports said the dead include six children and two minors.

The boats capsized in Goalpara district, about 190 km west of Dispur, the capital city of Assam.

"In a tragic incident last evening several small boats carrying people capsized in river Sabanjoria near Assam -- Meghalaya border here," a local official said. "Ten people identified as local villagers were killed in the tragic incident and search for missing ones is going on."

According to officials, the victims were returning home late Sunday evening after watching boat race, when strong winds in the area resulted in capsizal of boats.

Meteorological department officials said on Sunday a severe storm hit several parts of lower and central Assam.

Last week 19 people were killed after a boat carrying them capsized in Uttar Pradesh.

Boat capsizing incidents are common in India as many people especially in rural areas use traditionally made boats as a mode of transport.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)