Post-flood relief operation on war footing in north Bihar

Patna, Oct 21 (UNI) Relief work is being carried out on war footing in north Bihar, where 331 people died in catastrophic flood following breach of Kosi embankment at Kusaha in Nepal on August 18.

Additional Secretary of State Disaster Management department, Pratyay Amrit told mediapersons here today that on the basis of overall survey it came to the notice of the government that 237 people had lost their lives in flood-hit Madhepura, Arariya, Supaul, Saharsa and Purnia districts.

'' In all 94 people lost their lives in Bhagalpur, Begusarai Kishanganj and other districts,'' he said, adding that devastating flood claimed 1232 cattle heads.

In the first phase of the post-flood relief operation, one quintal foodgrain and Rs 2,250 were distributed to each victim family, while additional assistance would also be provided depending on their future requirements, Mr Amrit said.

'' Inundation in most of the areas had been cleared, '' he said, adding that some areas were still waterlogged where relief operation was being carried out by boats.

Mr Amrit informed that 122 relief centres and 160 medical camps were working round-the-clock in flood-hit areas to provide succour to flood victims.

The Additional Secretary said more than 76,188 quintals of foodgrain and Rs 16.363 crores had been distributed among the flood victim so far.

According to the estimate, about 16.95 lakhs people had been affected by the devastating flood, he added.

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