Patna, Aug 13: At least 94 people have lost their lives in the floods in Bihar as the overall situation in the state continued to be grim today with major rivers rising menacingly inundating vast acres of land following heavy rains in their catchment areas. State relief and rehabilitation department sources said sixty four persons died in the recent spell of flood while nearly 30 persons were feared drowned in a boat mishap in Kishanganj district on August 11, taking the toll to 94.
Sources said flood had so far destroyed standing crops worth Rs 35.49 crore, damaged 10,066 houses, the value of which was stated to be Rs 5.01 crore and also caused damage to private and public property of around Rs 3 crore. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rabri Devi held a high-level meeting to review the situation and directed the district authorities to launch relief and rescue work on a war footing.
The marooned people should be shifted to safer places and adequate camps be opened for providing shelters to them, the chief minister said.
Around 2473 boats, 174 relief centres, 117 health centres and 77 veterinary centres were engaged for providing assistance to the flood hit people.
The state government has already distributed 9570 quintals of wheat 1440 quintals of readymade food packets, 3.6 quintals of salt and cash of Rs two crore among the affected people. The Central Water Commission sources said major rivers like Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Adhwara group of rivers were rising menacingly at different points along their course and had even crossed the danger mark at various places. Bureau Report