17 killed, life paralysed as rain wreaks havoc in Bihar

Nearly 110 people were killed in rain-related incidents across the country in the past four days, while incessant rainfall paralysed Patna where boats were pressed into service to rescue the marooned.

In what the weather department said could be the longest delayed withdrawal of monsoon, rains continued to lash several states including Bihar, where at least 17 people were killed over the past 72 hours. Large swathes were inundated in the state, affecting railway traffic, healthcare services and schools, and disrupting power supply.

Uttar Pradesh reported the maximum deaths (79) since Thursday. In Gujarat, three women drowned after their car was swept away at a flooded causeway in Rajkot.

Thirteen deaths were reported from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in incidents triggered by heavy rains.

In hard-hit Bihar, a bird’s eye view of Patna made the city appear like a lake dotted with concrete structures. The state capital witnessed 212 mm rainfall in 24 hours.

Business establishments remained shut as rain and drain water entered shops on main thoroughfares.

With main streets and sub-lanes under waist-deep water, normal life was thrown out of gear. The Met department predicted “heavy to very heavy rainfall” on Monday.

Boats were seen plying on Sunday in Rajendra Nagar, a posh colony where Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi stays. Other ministers’ residences too were flooded.

In areas close to the Ganga, there was a reverse flow of drainage since the river has crossed the danger mark and was threatening to enter the town at low-lying areas.

The Patna district administration has ordered closure of schools and colleges for the next three days. Red alert has been issued in 14 districts of Bihar.

Meanwhile, the East Central Railway (ECR) has cancelled several trains as a precautionary measure after tracks were submerged.