The Hindu : National : Rivers continue to swell in Bihar

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Thursday, Jul 15, 2004

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National

Rivers continue to swell in Bihar

By K. Balchand

PATNA, JULY 14 . The Bihar Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, aerially surveyed the northern districts of the State to assess the devastation caused by floods.

Over one crore people have been rendered homeless. At least eight persons, including a woman, were drowned when a boat capsized in East Champaran.

Four persons were also reported drowned in Darbhanga, two in Katihar and one each in Saharsa and Araria districts, taking the death toll to 66.

Inclement weather prevented the Chief Minister from undertaking the survey yesterday.

Today, she saw the flood damage in Sitamarhi, Sheohar and Darbhanga districts and directed officials to intensify relief operations stating that there would be no dearth of funds for the purpose.

Though over half-a-dozen IAF helicopters are dropping relief material, it appears insufficient since there has been no let-up in the situation during the past few days. Torrential rains affected relief operations yesterday. Two columns of the Army bound for Darbhaanga returned to Samastipur, unable to negotiate the swirling waters of the Bagmati.

Most districts have been cut off from the State capital. Power supply has been discontinued to Darbhanga and Madhubani districts as a precaution.

Most parts of the northern and eastern regions are also without power.

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