Modi flags off relief material for flood-hit Bihar

Surat, Sept 18 : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a train carrying relief material for the people of flood-ravaged Bihar at Surat on Wednesday.

Modi chose his 59th birthday to warn people against perpetrators of violence and underscored his government's endeavour to help needy people.

"I will contribute for the victims of a natural disaster. I will fight against the terrorists with all my might," said Modi.

The Gujarat Government is sending relief material worth about 200 million rupees for the people of Bihar.

People in Gujarat too have been affected by floods caused by heavy rains.

At least 16 out of 38 districts in Bihar have been hit by the worst floods in 50 years, destroying 250,000 acres of farmlands and at least 300,000 homes, officials said.

Tens of thousands are living in government relief camps that aid agencies say lack adequate facilities. The State Government is also setting up temporary schools at relief camps for children living there.

More than four million people fled their homes when the Kosi river, which originates in Nepal, burst a dam last month and unleashed water downstream in Bihar.

ANI