Patna, Sept 17: There was no let up in flood situation in Bihar today with the Ganga flowing above its all time high level at Kahalgaon and Bhagalpur and other major rivers also in spate as the death toll shot up to 164 with five more death reported from flood-hit Vaishali and Purnia districts during the past 24 hours, official sources said.
A population of over 54.96 lakh spread over 3977 villages in 23 districts has been hit by floods, a relief and rehabilitation department press release said. It said standing crops in an area of 3.75 lakh hectares worth of over Rs 53.81 crore and 18,000 houses had been damaged due to floods.
Over 3,800 boats had been engaged for carrying out relief
and rescue operation and 287 relief centres and 401 health
centres are functional in flood-hit districts.
A Katihar report quoting officials said with the situation worsening following rise in water levels of Ganga and Kosi the district administration has sought the army assistance for relief and rescue work.
Meanwhile, army choppers continued to airdrop food packets and its personnel with mechanised boats were engaged in rescue and relief operations in Patna, Munger, Vaishali and
saran districts.
According to Central Water Commission, Ganga is flowing above danger mark at Buxar, Dighaghat and Gandhighat in Patna and crossed the highest flood level at Bhagalpur and
Kahalgaon.
Rivers like Sone, Gandak, Burhigandak, Kosi and Pupun were also rising.
The met office has predicted light to moderate rains in
the upper catchment areas of major rivers.
Sudden rise in the level of River Ganga posed a serious threat to Kanpur city as its water
entered two villages in Ganga Katri area today.
The district administration have shifted 185 affected
persons to safer side and distributed food to the affected
people.
The District Magistrate Arvind Kumar visited the flood
affected villages and inspected the relief work.
The Ganga has started rising following heavy rains for the
last three days.
Over 70 families and a large number of cattlehead were
affected.
Bureau Report
