Flood situation in Bihar turns grim

Patna, Aug 20 (UNI) The overall flood situation in Bihar deteriorated further today following the release of more water from the Gandak barrage in West Champaran district, inundating fresh areas.

Official sources here said the situation turned grim after 2.21 lakh cusec water was released from the barrage in Valmiki Nagar, about 300 km from here.

Reports from the district headquarters at Bagaha said about 80 villages in West Champaran district were flooded following the release of water, rendering more than 2,50,000 people homeless.

''About 2,50,000 villagers of Thakraha, Bhitha, Madhubani and Piprasi blocks, were severely affected as they remained cut off from the district headquarters,'' the sources said.

Altogether eight North Bihar districts have so far been affected because of the flash floods following incessant rain during the past few days, overflowing all the rivers passing through these districts, they added.

The road links between Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh were snapped after the embankment of the Anwakhas river breached at several places.

National Highway 28B was also inundated at several places, resulting in the suspension of surface transport on the highway.

Meanwhile, all the major rivers of the state, including the Ganges, Bagmati, Punpun, Kosi and Gandak, were flowing above the danger mark during the past 24 hours. All of the rivers were in spate and still rising, the sources added.

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