Flood-affected Biharis migrating to Ludhiana for work

Ludhiana (Punjab), Sept 2 : A large number of people who lost their houses and property in Bihar, due to the ravages of floods, have started migrating to Ludhiana in Punjab in search of employment.

These migrants are hopeful that Ludhiana, being an industrial city, will provide them opportunities for employment.

"I have come here to earn a living as there was a flood in Bihar. Our houses were destroyed and we suffered a huge loss," said Bhola Yadav, a worker.

The victims say that they have lost everything, their belongings, houses, animals and crops in the floodwaters.

"There was a flood and I ran away from my house. I suffered a loss of Rs. 60,000 to 70,000. The Government has done nothing, so I am here in search of work," said Satish Kumar Mehta, another worker.

They were forced to come to Ludhiana in search of work, as the Bihar Government has not taken adequate steps to provide relief to them.

The flooding, the worst in 50 years, was caused after the Kosi River breached a dam in Nepal. This unleashed huge waves of water that smashed mud embankments downstream in Bihar state. The waters of Kosi, known as Bihar''s ''river of sorrow'' for its regular floods and tendency to change course, gushed into the state inundating vast areas and affecting around two million people. Over 4,67,000 people have been evacuated so far, but there are thousands who are still marooned. Activists and local media say the death toll could be many times higher than official estimates.

ANI