Death toll in Bihar floods reaches 52

Patna, Aug 29(ANI): The flood situation in Bihar further worsened on Saturday as Kosi River continued to unleash its fury in several districts, pushing the death toll to 52.

According to officials, 12 fresh deaths were reported from Purnia, four from Sitamarhi, three from Saharsa and two each from Madhubani and Darbhanga.

They also informed that relief and rescue operations were going on at affected areas with the help of four National Disaster Response Force teams, who are equipped with about 1000 boats.

According to an official report, swirling waters affected scores of villages under Bahadurganj, Terhagachhi, Dighalbank, Kochadhaman, Bahadurganj, and Potahi in Kishanganj district.

Floods have so far affected more than 50 villages, while many villages were submerged in Banmankhi and Krityanandnagar blocks in Western Purnia by the turbulent river, which was steadily eroding its embankment.

Meanwhile, about 1,00,000 marooned people have been evacuated so far, a large number of them by Government boats and many on their own saved their lives.

Four helicopters and 200 country boats are working overtime to ferry the men and material to safe destinations. (ANI)