Bihar floods: 7 fresh deaths reported, 29.71 lakh people affected

As Bihar reels under massive flood situation owing to a swollen river Ganga, seven persons died on August thus taking the toll to 127, with 29.71 lakh people being affected by the deluge in 24 districts of the state.

While five deaths were reported from Samastipur, one each was reported in Nalanda and Khagaria. On 23 August, 22 persons were reported dead.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the flood situation and operations of relief camps were being closely monitored. He told reporters that he has already directed that people staying in relief camps should be served food in steel utensils provided from the CM's relief fund.

The floods caused by spate in rivers Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Burhi Gandak, Ghaghra and Kosi have affected 29.71 lakh people in 4,222 villages and 146 talukas.

The total toll in the Bihar floods, including the deaths today and those in Kosi areas earlier, have risen to 127. The Ganga was flowing above danger mark at seven places in various parts of the four districts. The places include Digha ghat, Gandhi ghat, Hathidah in Patna, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district, Munger district and Buxar district.

River Sone was also flowing above danger level near Maner in Patna. The authorities concerned are making an estimation of the total affected areas due to floods and areas under cultivation. Besides, the assessment for crop damage was being made by the authorities.

A total of 2.82 lakh people have been evacuated so far and a total of 778 relief camps are being run in the flood-hit areas, giving shelter to 5,99,606 people.

-PTI