Slight improvement in flood situation in Bihar

Patna, Aug 22(UNI) The overall flood situation in Bihar improved slightly today even as majority of the rivers were still flowing above danger mark inundating vast area with population of more than 1.77 crores.

An official communique released here said that more than 1.77 crores people were affected by flood in 215 blocks of 19 districts and standing crops worth Rs 548 crores damaged in the state.

'' A total of 6,541 boats had been pressed into service to carry out rescue and relief operation while 1,268 relief centres and 519 medical camps were opened in the flood ravaged areas of the state'', the sources said.

A report from Darbhanga said the surging Kamla Balan river has inundated Singhwara, Keoti, Tardih and Kusheshwarsthan blocks. The flood water has receded from the railway tracks prompting the authorities to restore train movements between Darbhanga and Sitamarhi.

The train services, however, will continue to remain suspended on the route during the night.

Meanwhile, a report from Kahalgaon said flood situation in three blocks, including Narainpur and Kharik blocks, deteriorated further, following breaches on the embankments of Ganga and Kosi rivers in Bhagalpur district.

District Magistrate Bipin Kumar said more than two lakh people were affected in eighty villages of the district.

A report from Samastipur revealed that flood situation in Kalyanpur, Hassanpur and Rosera blocks of the district continued to remain grim. Burhi Gandak, Kareh, Kosi and Bagmati rivers were rising.

The flood water of Gandak river entered the township area of Samastipur district as the sluice gate was found to be leaking while technical personnel were engaged in checking the leakage.

A report from Bagaha said communication between Bettiah and Bagaha in West Champaran district had been restored following improvement in flood situation along the route.

Flood water which entered in more than 300 villages of Madhubani, Thakraha, Bhitaha and Piprasi blocks was receding gradually bringing respite to the marooned people.

Altogether 331 people were killed in the flood fury across the state so far.

Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Vaishali and Khagaria were among the worst-affected districts by the flood fury.

According to the Central Water Commission, all major rivers of the state were flowing above the red mark.

Weatherman predicted moderate to heavy rains in the catchment areas and in the plains during the next 24 hours.

UNI