New Delhi: As floods continue to ravage Bihar and Assam, relief and rescue operations are being carried out on wide scale. In Bihar, floods have wreaked havoc in 10 districts including Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Supaul, East and West Champaran. About 10 lakh people are reeling under the impact of flood.

3 helicopters of Indian Air Force were today pressed into service in flood affected areas of Bihar. Dry food along with essential materials are being provided to flood hit people through helicopters.

Relief and rescue operations are on in full swing and 22 teams of NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into service. About 1 lakh affected people have been shifted to safer places and 15,000 people have taken shelter in 28 relief camps. Vehicular and rail traffic has been disrupted in flood affected areas.

Train movements on Darbhanga- Samastipur and Narkatiaganj – Sugauli rail section of East – Central Railway has been suspended. Long route trains have been diverted on alternative routes. According to the Met Department, heavy rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours in the catchment areas of rivers flowing into Bihar from Nepal as well as several districts in north Bihar.

Flood fury in Assam

IN Assam, there is no respite from flood fury as several rivers are flowing above the danger level. The current wave of floods has affected 27 lakh people and washed away houses and livestock.

Dhubri, Goalpara and Barpeta are among the worst affected areas. 1.17 lakh hectares of cropped areas are also under water. Relief and rescue works are being carried out by SDRF and NDRF teams.

Major portions of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are also under water. Meanwhile, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has informed that priority would be given to flood hit areas in allocating works under MGNREGA.