Bihar and Assam floods: Over 1.20 crore people marooned; Assam CM calls for dredging of Brahmaputra
At least 36 more flood- related deaths have been reported from Bihar and Assam, even as over 1.20 crore people have been marooned in the two states.
The figure of flood casualties mounted to 98 in Bihar, with 26 more people losing their lives. The deluge has affected nearly 93 lakh people in 15 districts, forced postponement of examination and cancellation of trains, officials said.
The regional MeT office has forecast rain in southern Bihar for one more week.
The Health Department has launched a toll-free number — 104 — officials said, adding hospitals have been directed to maintain a sufficient stock of anti-snake and anti-rabies injections.
Araria district accounted for 20 deaths, followed by East Champaran (14), West Champaran (13), Madhepura (12), Sitamarhi (11), Kisanganj (8), Purnea (5), Madhubani (5), Darbhanga (4), Saharsa (3), Sheohar (2) and Supual (1), said Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Pratyay Amrit.
Amrit said 3.59 lakh people have been shifted to safer places. Of them, 2.13 lakh were put up in 504 relief camps.
Food packets are being airdropped in inundated areas. Where flood waters have receded, they are being supplied through panchayats.
Flood-affected people, sheltering along a road, wait for food in Motihari district of Bihar on Thursday – …read more