Bihar flood threat: 44,000 people evacuated

"44,000 persons evacuated by the Bihar State authorities so far.  State Administration has been urged to speed up this process.  107 camps set up.  In addition, 30 cattle camps set up," the Central government said in a statement on Sunday.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over Kosi flood situation in Bihar and directed that all possible assistance should be made available.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had telephonic conversation with Bihar Chief Minister Jiten Ram Manjhi and assured him of full central assistance in evacuation and relief work carried out by the State Government in the flood situation in Kosi river in Bihar.

"Shri Singh informed the Chief Minister that the NDRF teams have already been dispatched to the areas where the Kosi river is pushing to cross the danger mark," read a statement issued by the government on Sunday.

Small assessment team of 6 persons – 2 from CWC, 2 from NDRF and 1 each from Indian Army and GSI – have reached Nepal last night  to make initial assessment.

"8 NDRF teams already deployed. 7 more teams deployed, of which 4 reached and 3 are on way. 5 more teams on standby. NDRF carrying boats, including fibre boats," the Central government said in a statement.

Speaking on medical assistance to be provided to the people, the government said :"1 C-17 Aircraft ready to leave Palam at around 1600 hours carrying medical team comprising 25 persons (including 2 medical officers, 1 preventive medicine specialist and one medical specialist) and 30 MT load (stretchers, etc.).  20 civilian doctors from Government of India of different specialities from Delhi hospitals also leaving by this aircraft."

As per information received from the Nepalese Authorities, the flow of the river Sunkoshi/Bhotekoshi in Mangkha Village Development Committee area in Sindhupal chowk District has been blocked on account of landslide. The formation of a large water body thereby can create a potential danger of inundation in areas downstream of the Kosi barrage which is about 270 km from location of the blockage.

Bihar Government has been put on alert started taking action for evacuation of persons living in villages lying within the embankment area in 22 panchayats of Supaul district and other 7 districts of Bihar. Relief camps including cattle relief camps are being organised for the evacuated families.