Assam boat tragedy toll climbs to 100

More than 100 people have been found dead after a ferry capsized on the Brahmaputra River in Assam on Monday.

Reports say some 103 are dead, but many were still missing as the ferry was carrying 350 people.

The ferry had left Dhubri for Mederteri in south bank of the district in the evening and reportedly capsized because of a cyclonic storm.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kumud Chandra Kalita, about 25 people swam to safety after the double-decked ferry capsized.

The police, Army, BSF and National Disaster Relief Force personnel have been working to find the survivors.

"Our rescue efforts have been hampered by bad weather, it is still raining heavily and there is almost zero visibility in the area," PC Saloi, a police officer at the scene, told Reuters.

Witnesses said the boat was old and broke into two after capsizing in the river.

A joint control room has been established to coordinate rescue efforts. A medical relief camp with three medical teams has also been set up to provide medical aid.

Assam's chief minister Tarun Gogoi told AFP: "I will be ordering an inquiry into the cause of the accident, but right now our priority is to account for every person who was on the ferry."

An official communique from the Chief Minister's Office said Gogoi has directed the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Departments, to expedite rescue and relief operations.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the family of those who died in the tragedy.

"The Prime Minister announces an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased in yesterday's (Monday) unfortunate boat tragedy in Assam," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.