Modi conducts aerial survey of flood-hit Bihar; announces Rs 500 crore relief package

The death toll in Bihar floods rose to 418.

Patna, August 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Purnia, Bihar from the national capital to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit areas of the state on Saturday. The PM along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar boarded a chopper to take stock of the situation.

After the aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Bihar, the PM declared an immediate relief of Rs 500 crore for the affected people of the state, reported ANI.

The PM also assured all possible assistance for relief measures and promised that a central team will be sent to assess the damage, added the ANI report.

Prior to the aerial survey, Modi chaired a review meeting in Purnia with senior officials, the CM and deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi.

As per reports, the death toll in the massive deluge in the state rose to 418.

The flood situation in the state worsened on Friday as 19 districts were inundated affecting at least 1.67 crore residents, most of whom have become homeless.

A release by the state disaster management department said that the flood waters, however, have receded in some places, prompting many to return to their homes. The number of relief camps also dropped to 368 from 624, in which 1.59 lakh people were staying, added the release by the state disaster management department.

A few days ago, deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi announced about the PM's forthcoming aerial survey of the state. "PM coming on 26th Aug for aerial survey of flood affected dists of Bihar (sic)," Bihar's deputy CM said in a tweet.

Bihar's deputy CM added that he had made a request to the PM for a visit to Bihar during a meeting of CMs and deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states in Delhi earlier this week.

He said during the meeting all BJP-ruled states were asked to contribute to flood relief work in Bihar.

As per figures, Araria district alone accounted for 87 deaths followed by Sitamarhi 43, Katihar 40, West Champaran 36, East Champaran 32, Madhubani 28, Darbhanga 26, Kishanganj 24, Madhepura 22, Gopalganj 20, Supual 16, Purnea nine, Saharsa eight; Khagaria, Saran and Muzaffarpur seven each, Sheohar four and Samastipur two. Luckily, no deaths were reported from Siwan district, as per reports.

Food has been provided to a total of 3.54 lakh affected people in 1,403 community kitchens operational in the marooned areas of Bihar, the release by the state disaster management department stated.

A total of 28 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 1,152 personnel with 118 boats are taking part in rescue and relief operations, it said. Apart from NDRF, 16 teams of the State Disaster Response Force comprising 466 personnel are helping people in the flood-hit areas with the help of 92 boats.

A total of 630 army personnel in seven teams are assisting in relief and rescue operations with 70 boats, the release added.

In the last few days, CM Nitish Kumar visited a couple of flood-hit areas in the state to take stock of the situation. However, affected people alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) government has not done enough to give relief to them.

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