K. Balchand
20 killed as Army
rescue boat capsizes; heavy rain adds to people’s woes
PATNA: Heavy rain and release of water from the Kosi barrage have
aggravated the situation in the flood-affected districts of north Bihar
on Saturday, snapping road and rail links, putting marooned people to
greater peril and throwing rescue operations out of gear.
The rains have triggered panic among the people of Madhepura in
particular. At least two lakh cusecs of water was said to have been
released from the barrage.
People are fleeing their homes fearing the worst. Adding to their woes
is the suspension of rescue operations by the Army in some regions
after one of their boats capsized killing 20 people, including an Army
man, on Friday night.
The boat had gone to rescue marooned people in Murliganj block of
Madhepura. More people jumped onto the boat than it could take.
Among those killed was a special executive magistrate. At least eight,
it is believed, swam to safety.
The official death toll has risen to 90 but officials admit that the
real dimension of the tragedy would be known only after the floodwaters
recede.
Due to heavy rain, the flood waters are rising in Madhepura submerging
railway tracks.
A bridge collapse has cut off links between Singheshwar and Madhepura.
Inadequate relief operations are compounding the miseries of the
flood-hit. Just about 800 boats are operating, whereas 1.5 million
people have been displaced.
The number of boats are less also because the State government had not
paid the private boat owners their due last year.
Relief operation is limited to just three IAF helicopters and the dozen
relief camps.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/31/stories/2008083159760800.htm
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© 2008, The Hindu.
