Defence forces pressed into service in Bihar

Patna, Aug 30 (UNI) All three wings of the defence forces- Army, Navy and Air Force has been roped in for relief and rescue operations in flood affected north Bihar, where the problem compounded further due to the rising water level of other rivers besides Kosi.

''The Air Force choppers were dropping relief materials while the army personnels had been deployed to rescue the people trapped in flood water'', official sources today said.

A contingent of Navy also reached the flood affected areas to assist in the rescue operation which is on the top of the government agenda, the sources added.

Earlier 28 people were washed away in the flood water at Mirganj in Mdhaepura district while they were being evacuated last night, sources informed.

While rescuing the marooned people, an army personnel engaged in the operation also drowned in the accident sources said.

With nine more deaths reported from different places of Araria, Supaul, Saharsa and Purnia the toll in the flood rose to 110 so far, sources stated.

Apart from the swollen river Kosi, the water level of Mahananda, Parman Tariyani, Kamtaha and Bakra rivers were also rising inundating non-affected areas in Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa and Supaul making the situation grim in the area, sources said.

The administration had put Katihar district on high alert in view of the unprecedented rise in the water level of Mahananda, Kosi, Barandi and Kari-Kosi rivers, sources added.

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