E-Paper
On day of 2008 deluge, Nitish visits Purnia, Katihar for flood survey
It was on this day in 2008 that the Kosi embankment near the Indo-Nepal border at Kusaha breached, bringing about unprecedented damage to thousands of people in five districts of Kosi and Purnia divisions. About 500 people had lost their lives in the 2008 deluge
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Purnia and Katihar districts where Ganga and Kosi rivers in spate have inundated areas in dozens of panchayats in three blocks of the two districts.
It was on this day in 2008 that the Kosi embankment near the Indo-Nepal border at Kusaha breached, bringing about unprecedented damage to thousands of people in five districts of Kosi and Purnia divisions. About 500 people had lost their lives in the 2008 deluge.
This year, 16 people have so far lost their lives in floods which have affected a population of 32.29 lakh in 2,430 villages spread over 96 blocks in 16 districts, according to a press release issued by state’s disaster management department (DMD) on Tuesday.
Talking to media persons in Purnia and Katihar on Wednesday, the CM said, “We have come here to take stock of the situation. Our first priority is to protect lives. Our government is committed to providing all possible help to flood victims.”
He said he had also directed Covid-19 testing and vaccinations at the relief centres.
“We are also assessing the damage to crops after which farmers will be given economic assistance to compensate for the loss. The state government is providing a financial relief of ₹6,000 to each family affected by the floods,” Kumar said.
According to the DMD, a sum of ₹134.34 crore has been distributed among 223,899 flood affected families.
The chief minister, who was accompanied by deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad, also visited several relief camps set up by the district administration.
Dozens of panchayats of Barari and Amdabad blocks in Katihar and Rupauli block in Purnia have been affected by floods this year.
Rajendra Kumar Mehta, chief engineer (flood control and drainage) at the water resources department, said, “Ganga, which has crossed its 2016 mark, is still rising, but the water level is expected to fall within two days.”
The water level in Kosi has been fluctuating, he said.
Flood facts
2008 deluge
On Aug 18, 2008, the Kosi embankment near the Indo-Nepal border at Kusaha breached, bringing about unprecedented floods in five districts of Kosi and Purnia divisions and leaving 500 dead.
Figures this year
Number of deaths: 16
Population affected: 32.29 lakh
Villages affected: 2,430 villages
Districts affected: 16
Source: disaster management department
