NEW DELHI, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - The damage from flooding in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has been estimated at over $4 billion, local media reported, citing Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa.

More than five days of torrential rains caused floods in southern and eastern parts of India, resulting in the deaths of at least 240 people.

Karnataka was hardest hit, with around 200 deaths.

"The worst flood in the past 100 years affected 18 state districts and made a brake in people's lives. Rains destroyed property amounting to 200 billion rupee (about $4 billion)," Yeddyurappa said.

Almost 18 million people were affected by the flooding in India with about 355,000 made homeless as water destroyed more than 200,000 buildings.

Tens of people died in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah estimated the damage at some $2.4 billion.

Indian Interior Minister P. Chidambaram promised that the government would give the affected regions financial assistance to be spent on humanitarian aid and reconstruction of destroyed buildings, roads and bridges.