State government has sought Central assistance

AMN /PATNA

Heavy rainfall for last few days and inundation of low-lying areas in the state capital Patna, have thrown normal life out of gear. At least 18 people lost their lives in the rain-related incidents in the state so far.

The state government has sought Central assistance for relief and rescue operations in low-lying areas. Two Indian Air Force helicopters and heavy discharging water machines have been demanded. The State Administration is facing problem to provide relief material in low-lying areas as the first floor of buildings has been submerged. Relief and rescue operation are in full swing.

Over one thousand boats have been pressed into service throughout the state to evacuate people to safer places. About seventy boats are shifting people to safer places in Patna. Met department has predicted heavy rains in next twenty four hours in Patna,Saran, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Vaishali districts of the state .The state administration has ordered closure of educational institutions till tomorrow in affected areas of the state. Over two dozen trains passing through Patna have been cancelled and several trains have been diverted today. Almost all plaforms of Patna are submerged. All gates of Farakka barrage have been opened to discharge water of swollen Ganga river. Meanwhile, the State Government has ordered engineers to strict vigil of all embankments.