Death Toll In Bihar Flood Crosses 80, Over 55 Lakh People Affected And Living In Camps

The northeast India is under the grip of devastating flood and rain, causing millions of people to flee and look for shelter. Assam is also reeling under severe flood.

In Bihar, flood and incessant rain have claimed at least 78 lives and affected 55 lakh people.

Sitamarhi reported the highest number of 18 casualties, followed by Madhubani (14), Araria (12), Sheohar and Darbhanga (nine each), Purnea (seven), Kishanganj (four), Supaul (three) and East Champaran (two), the state's disaster management department said in a release.

Since Wednesday, the number of deaths in Bihar rose by 11.

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More than one lakh people are staying at the relief camps in Sitamarhi, while 3,721 have taken shelter at Madhubani, the department said.

The state authorities have installed 1,119 relief camps spread across all the 12 flood-affected districts, ensuring clean drinking water and proper food to all those who have taken shelter from the deluge.

A total of 26 teams of the NDRF and the SDRF are patrolling the flood-hit areas, in addition to 796 personnel devoted to relief and rehabilitation work. They have been equipped with 125 boats for the purpose, the release said.

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According to a report by news agency PTI, there has been a let up in rain in Nepal, which has caused water levels to recede, though as many as six rivers flowing through the state are still above danger mark at many places.

People in neck-deep water are seen carrying their children in baskets atop their heads. Animals are looking for shelter, trying to save their lives.

A recent report suggested that the flood-affected people in Bihar are forced to eat rats as they have fled their homes and have access to no food.