190 people killed in Bihar floods; Nitish makes aerial survey

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted aerial survey of 12 inundated districts to take stock of the situation arising out of flood which has claimed 190 lives so far in Bihar.

Returning from the survey, the CM told reporters that the state government has readied all arrangements to meet the challenge of heavy rains next week in Nepal and North Bihar forecast by Meteorological department.

Accompanied by Principal Secretary Disaster Management, Vyasji, the CM took round of 12 flooded districts by air. These were Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali and Buxar.

Kumar said water level of swollen Ganga river was receding.

He also said that nearly 60 lakh people were affected by the flood.

Kumar said relief was distributed among the marooned on a war footing. Relief camps have been set up in the affected areas and necessary items like foodgrains were given to the victims.

The chief minister said he talked to the collectors of all the districts on the shore of the Ganga and gave them necessary instructions.

The Bihar CM said that he himself would review flood relief and rehabilitation work and prepare a report on damage to be sent to the Centre.

He said flood relief work was carried out under Disaster Management law in which 75 per cent of the cost was borne by the Centre while state's share was 25 per cent.

Meanwhile, a report from Disaster Management Department said that 190 people have lost their lives in the flood across the state so far.

The highest toll of 30 people was reported from Purnea district while the casualty was 26 in Bhojpur and 21 in Munger, it said.

The report said that nearly 4 lakh animals were affected in the floods.