Lucknow -- Indian troops were called out for relief work in parts of Uttar Pradesh after floods, caused by a sudden release of water by Nepal, left 42 people dead and rendered thousands homeless.

"The Rapti, Ghaghra and Saryu rivers, which originate in Nepal, have swollen on account of release of water from dams in Nepal and there is little we can do about it," said a home department official.

The rivers were flowing well above the danger mark, enveloping over 100,000 people in at least seven Uttar Pradesh districts.

In the worst affected Balrampur district, along the India-Nepal border, around 45 villages have been marooned, affecting at least 48,000 people.

Other districts hit are Bahraich, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Shravasti, Lakhimpur Kheri (all adjoining the Nepal border), Gonda and Barabanki.

State relief commissioner Renuka Kumar told IANS: "Army help was sought in Barabanki and Bahraich districts to evacuate people from 15 completely marooned villages."

Soldiers were also assisting the civil authorities in repairing breaches along the embankments of some rivers.

In other places, the Provincial Armed Constabulary was pressed into service.

Kumar said: "The Ghagra, which has been in spate for several days, has breached the embankments at some places and overflowed into villages, causing loss of human lives, cattle and property.

"Relief measures are in full swing and sufficient funds are being forwarded to the affected districts to ensure timely relief to people."

The Nepal authorities are continuing to release water on account of heavy rains in the upper reaches. The rising rivers downstream in Uttar Pradesh threaten to engulf more villages.

IANS