Severe flood situation continues in Bihar, nearly 4 million affected, India

The severe flooding in Bihar, India, has claimed 36 lives in a 24-hour period to July 29, 2020, and has affected as many as 3.8 million people. The situation is expected to further deteriorate as several rivers flow above danger marks.

According to national broadcaster All India Radio, 36 people lost their lives in flood-related incidents in 24 hours to July 29.

The affected districts include Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, Khagaria, Saran, and Samastipur.

As many as 3.8 million people have been affected across the state. 26 teams of the national and state Disaster Response Force have been deployed in affected areas.

Vehicular traffic remains suspended in several districts following road damage on the Darbhanga-Samastipur section of East Central Railway. This was due to the overtopping of rail tracks in some areas. Meanwhile, long route trains have been diverted to alternative routes.

Up to 23 000 people are currently staying in 26 relief camps, while 808 community kitchens have been established and have since been feeding almost four million people.

The flood situation is expected to deteriorate further as the India Meteorological Department forecasts widespread rain, leading to swollen rivers.

Among the rivers flowing above the danger levels are Bagmati, Burhi Gandak, Kamlabalan, Adhwara, and Khiroi.

Julie Celestial

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