Flood Toll Rises; Condition Still Pathetic
Patna: Sept. 6, 2008
|
Flood Toll Rises
|
|
Photo by Shashi Uttam |
At least seven persons were feared drowned when a boat carrying flood victims tipped over in Pratapganj in Supaul district on Saturday after it got tangled in broken electrical wires ejecting all 17 passengers in the raging flood water.
While ten people managed to swim to safety, seven people, including five of the same family were swept in the strong current of the river, officials said.
Signs of water receding in Kosi and other major rivers in Bihar notwithstanding, situation remained extremely grim in Purnia, Supaul, Saharsa, Kishanganj, Araria, and Forbesganj where relief workers were battling to rescue villagers reluctant to leave their houses despite repeated pleas by the government officials.
Fresh flood water entered in Phalka village in Katihar district after the Barandi Thomas damn gave in under pressure caused by the current in the river. Attempts were being made to evacuate the village though hundreds of villagers were still believed to be stranded till the time of reporting.
Meanwhile the government on Saturday ordered transfer of Madhepura District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar for failing to perform his duties in the expected manner and replaced him with Atish Chandra.
Reports from Araria said speedboat experts dispatched by film star Sunil Shetty managed to save over a dozen villagers when their boat turned turtle near Sarwaha in Araria district.
|
|
