Floods continue to wreck havoc in North, Northeastern India

Incessant rains over the past few weeks have inundated several districts in North and Northeastern States, with large swathes of land remaining swamped by floodwaters.

Patna/ Gorakhpur (UP), Aug 3 : Incessant rains over the past few weeks have inundated several districts in North and Northeastern States, with large swathes of land remaining swamped by floodwaters.

Bihar continues to reel under floods, which have displaced thousands of people, besides destroying crops and homes.

The situation worsened with the swollen Kareh River breaching its embankment at two places, inundating vast areas of Samastipur, Darbhanga and Begusaral Districts.

Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister and Lok Janshakti Party President Ram Vilas Paswan undertook an aerial survey of the flood affected districts, and accused the NDA-led State Government of ignoring the plight of people.

"It (Bihar) should be declared flood-stricken area. The farmers should be spared of all their loans. But no relief is provided," said Paswan.

Apparently referring to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was abroad, Paswan said: "There is no government to manage here".

Kumar, who returned from Mauritius after a week's official tour, denied any failure on the part of his government on Thursday.

"There have been severe rains. Such conditions are there after such heavy rain. People are facing difficulties. The government is trying its best to fulfil its responsibilities," he said.

About 2.5 million people in 11 districts of Bihar are affected. Muzaffarpur is said to be the worst affected district in the State.

In Uttar Pradesh, districts of Gorakhpur and Maharajganj are the worst affected by floods, with many villages submerged.

Several areas have been cut off from the rest of the State. Many villagers have lost their household goods and about 500 houses are submerged in water.

Mohit Lal, a flood victim, said people have moved to safer height, but were without food and other essentials.

In Gorakhpur District over 10 million people are marooned for the past week.

Government officials, however, claim that they have been able to provide relief to the people.

"The flood situation in Gorakhpur is under control. There are seven tehsils in Gorakhpur. All the villages of these tehsils are affected by flood. The number of villages affected by floods is 263, out of which 88 are totally submerged under water," said Ashok Kumar, Gorakhpur's Flood Control Officer.

Officials said they have provided over 180 boats for relief work.

The army has been called in Barabanki and Gorakhpur Districts to assist the civil administration in dealing with the flood situation. Two flood companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have also been deployed.

The River Ghagra is flowing a meter above the danger mark, and has inundated at least 247 villages in Basti.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has asked for a Rs. 2,200 crore package from the Centre to deal with the flood situation in her State.

The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam also continues to remain grim.

According to the latest Central Water Commission report, the Brahamputra River is still following above the danger mark all along its course from Dibrugarh to Dhubri.

Around half-a-million people in 25 districts of Assam have been affected by the floods.

Health authorities in the region are on alert following reports of an outbreak of water borne diseases in some parts of lower Assam.

The national capital, New Delhi, witnessed heavy showers at many places on Wednesday and Thursday. Water logging created huge traffic jams for long distances, leaving city commuters stranded.

More rains are being predicted.

ANI