Floods ravage Bihar, Uttar Pradesh; death toll climbs to 80
What's the story
Over 80 have lost their lives as heavy rains continue to batter several parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The heavy downpour has continued for four days, leaving streets waterlogged and normal life disrupted. Reportedly, four people died in a rain-related accident in Patna today alone. Meanwhile, Patna's second-largest healthcare facility, Nalanda Medical College Hospital, remains waterlogged. Here are more details.
Details
13 trains canceled in Bihar; others delayed
According to ANI, four people died in Khagaul, Patna, after a tree fell on an auto while three people died after a wall collapse in Bhagalpur. Many are still feared trapped in the wall collapse while rescue operations are underway. Meanwhile, road and rail traffic remained disrupted. At least 13 trains were canceled on Sunday morning and several trains on other routes were delayed.
Twitter Post
Waterlogging at Nalanda Medical College Hospital
#WATCH Bihar: Water-logging in Nalanda Medical College, Patna, following rainfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/njsbqYDKWX
— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2019
Information
Homes of Deputy CM, other ministers also submerged
Notably, the homes of several ministers, including Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi and Janata Dal (United) leader Ajay Alok were also submerged. Alok said that he has "never witnessed such rains in past 45 years" and has shifted to the first floor of his house.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Ajay Alok's Patna residence
Bihar: Flood water enters the residence of Janata Dal United (JDU) leader Ajay Alok, in Patna. pic.twitter.com/lAhFCi7Ypu
— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2019
Action
18 NDRF teams deployed to conduct rescue operations
Reportedly, a red alert was sounded across most districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall today and tomorrow. In light of this, the Bihar government has ordered all schools in the districts of Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, West Champaran, Muzaffarpur and Sheikhpura shut. Meanwhile, 18 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to conduct rescue operations.
Information
CM Nitish Kumar held review meeting on Friday
Further, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a review meeting on the flood situation via video conferencing on Saturday. In the neighboring Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to visit rain-affected areas in the state and conduct relief operations.
Uttar Pradesh
UP: Over 40 killed; CM extends relief to deceased's family
Separately, UP recorded 1,700% above normal rainfall on Friday. Over 40 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. Schools remained shut on Friday and Saturday in Lucknow, Amethi, Hardoi and other districts. Adityanath has asked officials to extend Rs. 4 lakh aid to the family of the deceased. The forecast suggests that heavy rains will continue for the next two days.
Other states
Rajasthan, MP, J&K also reeling under heavy downpour
Furthermore, other states including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have also witnessed deaths due to heavy rains. In Udaipur, Rajasthan, three students died after a wall collapsed at the Government Middle School, Thobwara. In Madhya Pradesh's Seoni, three people were killed as rapid waters swept them away. Their bodies were recovered a kilometer away on the Ghansor-Kedarpur Road.