Floods abating in Bihar, claim officials

Patna, Aug 28: The overall flood situation in Bihar on Sunday showed signs of improvement with river Ganga and its tributaries receding and relief operations continuing, officials said.

The district magistrates were directed, however, to be fully alert and remain prepared to face any worsening of the situation in the coming days, they said.

"Flood waters are receding in Ganga and its tributaries and the situation is improving," Principal Secretary of State Disaster Management Department Vyasji said.

He said 3.4 million people in 2037 villages in 12 districts of Bihar have been hit by the floods. Nearly half a million people have been evacuated, including 2.66 lakh who have found shelter in relief camps set up by the government.

According to the government, the floods have so far claimed 55 lives in the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit Bhagalpur district and reviewed the situation with officials. He will review flood situation in Purnea district and Katihar district on Monday.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his younger son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, who is Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, conducted an aerial survey of Bhojpur and Buxar districts on Sunday. 

Lalu Prasad said the BJP-led central government has done little to help Bihar in dealing with the disaster.

The people in Bihar have in the past few days held demonstrations against the government's "poor response" to the disaster.

Such protests have been held in Bhagalpur, Saran, Bhojpur, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger and Patna districts. 

Hungry and homeless, the flood victims have also expressed anger over not being provided fodder for their cattle.