New Delhi, Aug 22:
Floods in eighteen Bihar districts have claimed 304 lives, and affected 140 lakh people.
The latest numbers released by the state’s Disaster Management department reveal that Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Motihari, Darbhanga, Kishanganj, Muzaffapur, Bettiah, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura and Khagaria remain the worst-affected districts
The highest death toll – 74 – was recorded in Araria
Flood waters have been declining in places such as Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj and Katihar. But the situation remains grim in areas like Darbhanga, Samastipur and Motihari, where embankments have been breached, and water has entered new areas – displacing thousands.
DARBHANGA’S PLIGHT
An India Today crew on Monday travelled to Taralahi village in Darbhanga, where a swollen Bagmati river has caused massive destruction. 12 people have died in the northern district.
Water levels have reached 6 to 7 feet in Taralahi, forcing people to leave their homes and move to a state highway nearby for safety.
India Today’s crew visited the GN English School, which has been completely submerged. Villagers could be seen removing tables and chairs from the premises.
“We evacuated the students from this school couple of days back as the water level started to rise but we have got no help from the administration in this. We are removing the tables and chairs now”, said a local villager.
12 people have died in Darbhanga due to the floods, and victims accuse the local administration of ignoring them.
“We have not received any assistance from the administration. In fact, we had to block the roads and carry out protests before the administration even decided to provide us with a boat to bring displaced people out to safe areas”, a local said.
