Flood situation improves in Bihar; Toll rises to 374

Patna, Aug 24 (UNI) With reports of ten more deaths from Katihar, the toll in the current flood fury rose to 374 in Bihar today even as the overall flood situation improved further.

A report from Samastipur said the flood situation in Kalyanpur, Hassanpur and Rosera blocks had improved as the water level of the Burhi Gandak, Kareh, Kosi and Bagmti rivers was on receding trend.

The flood situation improved in township area of the district as most of localities were now free from inundataion.

In West Champaran district, more than 400 villages of Madhubani, Thakraha, Bhitaha and Piprasi blocks were receding gradually bringing respite to the marooned people in the area.

A report from Darbhanga said surging Kamla Balan river had inundated Singhwara, Keoti, Tardih and Kusheshwarsthan blocks following torrents during the past 24 hours.

The flood water had receded clearing the railway tracks resulting in restoration of train movement between Darbhanga and Sitamarhi.

A report from Kahalgaon said the flood situation in three blocks, including Narainpur and Kharik blocks, was still grim.

District Magistrate Bipin Kumar said more than 2.5 lakh people had been affected in eighty villages in Bhagalpur district.

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