Bihar reels under floods

1.5 million people in 11 northern districts affected

Central Water Commission sources said major rivers like the Kosi, Mahananda, Bagmati, Kamala balan and the Adhwara group of rivers were still in spate crossing the danger level at different places along their course.

The 11 flood-hit districts are West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Saharsa, Supaul, Kishanganj, Gopalganj and Katihar, state Disaster Management department sources.

Mass destruction

Standing crops and houses worth several crores of rupees have been destroyed in the floods. Altogether so far 52 people have lost their lives in the floods, sources said.

The state authorities have undertaken relief and rescue operations with the help of over 1,000 boats and National Disaster Response Force personnel. Foodgrains, candles, kerosene oil, polythene sheets and salt were being made available to the victims as per norms, sources said.

“All the embankments in Bihar are safe and flood-fighting continues at places where the rivers are putting pressure on their embankments,” state Water Resources department sources claimed.