Patna, September 9: More than 40 lakh people have been affected by floods in 14 districts of Bihar following heavy rainfall over the past five days, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the Disaster Management Department, around 40.21 lakh people in 514 gram panchayats across 84 blocks have been affected. The districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnia and Arwal.
Several rivers, including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Punpun and Ghaghra, are flowing above danger levels at various locations. The Ganga at Sultanganj has also crossed its previous highest flood level.
The state has recorded 79.6 mm rainfall in September, 31 per cent above normal. The government has set up 15 relief camps and 723 community kitchens, while 27 SDRF and 10 NDRF teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.
Nearly 13,446 evacuees are staying in relief camps, with boats, food, medical assistance and animal fodder being provided. The weather office has forecast light to moderate rain at some places and heavy rain at isolated locations over the next two days.
