Date:26/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/26/stories/2007082660100600.htm

National

Bihar flood situation grim

The worst hit is Darbhanga district with 84 deaths

Patna: Though there was little rain in catchment areas of major rivers over the past week, the flood situation remained grim in Bihar on Saturday, largely due to substantial discharge from barrages in Nepal.

The floods have claimed 450 lives and hit a population of nearly 20 million in 20 districts, Disaster Management Department sources said. The worst hit was Darbhanga district with 84 deaths.

Though there was significant reduction in rainfall in the catchment areas of Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi and other rivers originating from Nepal, a huge discharge from Nepal’s Birpur barrage in Supaul district and Valmikinagar barrage in West Champaran district prevented the situation from improving, sources in the Central Water Commission said.

Over 8.67 lakh marooned people have so far been evacuated to safer places with 6781 boats engaged in relief and rescue operations, official sources said.

Altogether 1281 relief camps, 527 medical camps and 349 cattle camps were working round-the-clock, they said.

The floods have destroyed standing crops in 14.55 lakh hectare worth over Rs.595.81 crore and over 2.91 lakh houses, besides public property.- PTI