Floods claim 38 lives in Bihar, affect more than a million

Patna, Aug 22: At least 38 people have been killed and 1.86 million affected by floods in Bihar as major rivers continue to be in spate crossing the danger mark at several places in the state.

The district-wise break-up of deaths are Muzaffarpur (01), Saharsa (03), Gopalganj (02), Madhepura (01), West Champaran (04), Bhojpur (10), Purnia (01), Madhubani (02), Katihar (02), Samastipur (02), Vaishali (04), Bhagalpur (04) and Lakhisarai (02), according to the State Disaster Management sources.

The floods have affected 1.86 million people of 1364 villages in 20 districts, sources said.

Standing crops in 0.70 lakh hectare worth Rs 46.84 crore have been destroyed while 10,278 houses were flattened causing a loss of Rs 75.98 crore. Public property worth Rs 25.31 crore has also been destroyed, they said.

Several rivers like Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Ghaghra, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi were flowing above danger mark at several points, Central Water Commission sources said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar undertook an aerial survey of flood-hit areas for the second consecutive day today and directed the authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations.

PTI