Patna: Floodwater inundated fresh areas on Sunday after a major river broke its embankment in Bihar, taking the toll to 214. Initially the floods, triggered by heavy rains in north Bihar and Nepal, had affected some 12 districts but this has grown to 18 districts, and it has affected 12.15 million people.
Authorities said the number of affected people could cross more than 15 million as scores of villagers taking shelter atop roofs or on river embankments are yet to be reached. “The real picture could emerge only after the flood waters recede,” the disaster management department’s additional secretary Anirudh Kumar told media today.
Disaster management authorities said rescue teams have evacuated 625,758 people so far while 422,106 people have taken shelter in government-run relief camps set up various places. Authorities have also opened 1,879 community kitchens to serve food to affected villagers.
Although the authorities claim to have deployed 51 rescue teams comprising Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Engineers to help the villagers trapped in floods, many have been seen crossing floodwaters on their own. Many alleged they have not seen the government agencies so far.
According to an official report, floods covered more areas on Sunday after a major river, Budhi Gandak, flowing in spate breached its right embankment in Mushahari block in Muzaffarpur district, inundating many villages. Reports said two other major rivers, Bagmati and Kosi are overflowing and the water level is not going down as per expectation.
Authorities said pressure is also mounting on Punpun River’s embankment as a flood threat looms over Patna. Thus, Patna’s district administration has placed officials on maximum alert around-the-clock.
In Madhepura, another flood-affected district, the authorities have enforced ban on bathing by youths and children in floodwaters. The authorities initiated the action in view of deaths due to bathing in the areas and one of them swept away by floodwaters while taking selfies.
