Cabinet Secretary to visit flood-hit Bihar tomorrow

New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) headed by Cabinet Secretary will visit the flood-affected areas of Bihar tomorrow to review the situation and assess the additional assistance required by the state to deal with the crisis arising out of breach in the embankment and change of course by the Kosi river.

The Centre continues to extend all possible assistance to the state government for supplementing their efforts in managing the flood situation. The Home Ministry is in constant touch with the state government and closely monitoring the situation round-the-clock.

The Navy has deployed fours officers, 131 personnel and 45 geminies (Rubber Boats) with out-boat motors in Purnia and Madhepura. More additional Army Columns are being stationed. Three helicopters are under deployment in addition to the existing nine helicopters.

A total of 320 boats have been mobilised till today. Additional 197 boats are being organised by the Army, Central paramilitary forces and states. A total of 686 NDRF personnel have been deployed so far. Fourteen satellite phones have been provided.

As many as 5,767 tents had been dispatched till this morning and additional 1,922 tents are being organised. The West Bengal government has offered 50,000 plastic sheets for use in the relief camps, having a capacity to accommodate 6-7 lakh people. The Bihar government has been advised to obtain these sheets. Meanwhile, five lakh bottles of drinking water have been sent till today.

UNI AJ SB HS1913