Bihar flood toll touches 291

The incessant rainfall hampered relief and rescue operations in the state. IAF choppers that were pressed into service for dropping food packets could not take off for the second day today due to inclement weather. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his government was doing its best to rescue and provide relief to the flood marooned people.

In all, Samastipur accounted for the maximum of 55 deaths, followed by 51 each in east Champaran and Darbhanga, 35 in Muzaffarpur, 22 in Khagaria and 19 in Sitamarhi. More than 15 million people across 19 districts are reeling under the impact of the deluge. Over 5 lakh houses and standing crop worth crores of rupees have been completely damaged.

According to the Central Water Commission, all major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak and Adhwara group of rivers were maintaining rising trends following heavy rains in their catchments areas since yesterday. Most of these rivers were flowing above danger marks at various points along their course in the state.