Disputed island disappears under rising sea levels

A DISPUTED island claimed by both India and Bangladesh has disappeared due to rising sea levels in the Bay of Bengal, a leading scientist said yesterday.

For nearly 30 years, the two countries have argued over control of New Moore Island, a strip of rock about 3km long and 2km wide.

However, oceanographer Sugata Hazra says satellite imagery and sea patrols of the coastal area known as the Sunderbans no longer register the island, which has been submerged by rising the water.