Bihar, the flood situation is still critical even after one fortnight of catastrophe. The swollen Kosi river continues to hit more areas of Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul and Araria districts of the state. The number of flood affected villages has gone up to 800. Flood water of Kosi has spread in area of 150 km long and 40 km width. The situation is very critical in five blocks of Madhepura and two blocks of Supaul districts. All the three wings of defence force army, navy and air-force have joined one of the biggest rescue and relief operations in Bihar. A massive rescue operation has been launched in Kumarkhand, Murligang, Gwalpara, Biharigang and Udakishungang blocks of Madhepura besides Chatapur and Trivenigang blocks of Supaul districts. Over 30 lakh people are reeling under flood furry. Five lakh people have been evacuated so far. About one lakh fifty thousand flood victims were shifted in 172 relief camps. 6 choppers continue to drop food packets among flood affected people. AIR Patna correspondent reports that the state government has appealed to all the flood affected people to move to safer places immediately.
Meanwhile, the CPIM while expressing concern over the unprecedented disaster created due to flood in Bihar has urged the government to have a considered view on the maintenance of Kosi embankment in Nepal. In a statement the politbureau of the party has urged all its units to mobilise financial and material help for the suffering people.
The Railway Minister,Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav has said that one rake of goods train loaded with cattle feed is being send to flood affected areas in Bihar.
The Centre on Monday announced release of additional kerosene and free domestic cooking gas for the flood-hit areas of Bihar.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora told reporters in New Delhi the government is releasing 10,000 tons of additional kerosene over and above the state's entitlement of 54,000 tons to meet cooking and lighting needs. Besides, it will provide free domestic cooking gas (LPG) to relief camps set up for flood victims in the state. The scheme will continue as long as the camps continue.
State-run oil companies will also provide relief material like medicines worth five crore rupees to flood victims.
A total of 15 of the 40 petrol pumps in the flood-hit areas are marooned. Bihar's only oil refinery at Barauni was running without problem and there were no glitches reported at any of the pipelines in the state.