Patna, July 21: The overall flood situation in Bihar today showed a sign of further improvement with water levels in major rivers receding in absence of rains, even as the state Rehabilitation and Relief Department stepped up operation for relief for the marooned. Central water commission sources said water levels of all the rivers like Kosi, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak, Mahananda and Adhwara group of rivers was on the wane following absence of rainfall in their catchment area.

Water levels in other rivers too were receding though 13 districts continued to be inundated by flood water. The Relief and Rehabilitation Department had further intensified relief measures while boats were engaged to evacuate the people to safer places.

The district authorities have arranged adequate quantity of wheat, match boxes, salt, kerosene, and ready-made food packets for distribution among the flood-hit people.

Health centres were also opened in the worst-hit Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul and Sheohar, sources said, adding Chief Minister Rabri Devi was monitoring the situation. State Water Resources Department sources said all the major embankments were safe and engineers working hard to plug fissures and check erosion to prevent breach.

Around two million people have been affected by flood in Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Darbhanga, East and West Champaran, Saran, Siwan, Kishanganj, Supaul, Khagaria and Samastipur. At least 31 people have lost their lives in the recent spell of flood.

Bureau Report