Bihar flood toll mounts to 89

PATNA, SEPT. 16. The overall flood situation remained grim in Bihar with major rivers continuing to put pressure on the embankments and the death toll rising to 89 with one more death reported from flood-affected Darbhanga district today.

The State Relief and Rehabilitation Department said the current spell of floods had affected a population of over 53 lakhs in 133 blocks of 16 districts of north Bihar. Relief Department sources said the flood situation barring the Gopalganj, Saran, Darbhanga, East and West Champaran districts were improving with majority of the rivers maintaining a receding trend.

An official report said one person drowned in the swirling waters of Adhwara group of rivers in Hayaghat block of the district taking the overall flood toll to 89. According to official estimates, standing crops, private and public property estimated at over Rs. 490 crores had been damaged in the current spell of floods.

Relief and Rehabilitation Department sources said standing crops in over three lakh hectares of land worth over Rs. 160 crores had been damaged. While the Army continued to assist the district administration in providing succour to flood- marooned people in north Bihar, the Government has set up 282 relief centres, 207 health centres and 138 veterinary centres that were functioning round-the-clock.

Meanwhile, a Central Water Commission communique issued here today said all the major rivers including Ganga, were flowing above the danger mark at many places along their course but were maintaining a receding trend.

- PTI

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