NEW DELHI: Floods in India’s eastern state of Bihar have affected over 2.4 million people and killed 32, officials said Tuesday.
According to Bihar Disaster Management Department (BDMD), in the past 24 hours, floods have claimed eight lives and affected 2,442,725 people in 11 districts.
“The ongoing floods have hit 765 panchayats (villages) and spread over 93 blocks of 11 districts,” BDMD said. “The floods have claimed eight lives, four in West Champaran four in Darbhanga on Monday.”
Officials said seven rivers were flowing above the danger mark at 24 spots in 15 districts of Bihar.
The floodwater has inundated residential areas and posed a threat to embankments in the affected areas.
“The cumulative death toll in floods from July 24 until last evening is 32,” according to BDMD’s data. “The deaths have taken place in West Champaran, Darbangha and Sitamirhi.”
Three helicopters of Indian airforce were deployed in flood-affected areas of Gopalganj, Darbhanga and East Champaran to drop dry foodstuff items to the affected people.
According to locals, the floodwater has entered houses and shops and people were moving by boat.
A local government spokesman said the operation of airdropping food which started on Saturday has been concluded on Monday evening. Reports said the decision has been taken due to worsening flood situation and weather conditions. However, officials said relief distribution through boats and other means would continue in the submerged areas.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office has announced an alert for the water resources department.❑
Times of India
