Date:29/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/29/stories/2002072905440100.htm

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Flood situation worsens in Bihar

Patna July 28. Army and civil authorities intensified relief operations in the flood-hit districts of Bihar today as the situation aggravated following heavy showers in the catchment areas in Nepal and foothills.

Besides helicopters of the Indian Air Force and Army motorboats, 1,850 boats have been pressed into service for rescue and relief operations, official sources here said. At least 43 persons lost their lives and 70,00,000 affected due to the floods.

Standing crop under 7.5 lakh hectares of land had been destroyed. Road and rail communication to several districts has been disrupted, while some roads have been closed for vehicular traffic owing to security.

A report from Darbhanga said that out of 18 blocks, 18,00,000 people in 17 blocks were reeling under the impact of flood, and fresh areas in the town were engulfed by flood waters today. In Gopalganj district, the situation aggravated as the rising water level inundated low-lying areas.

— UNI