The Centre has deployed 12 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Bihar and four in Uttar Pradesh for rescue and relief operations in flood affected areas of the two States.

In Bihar, army columns are also in place
to offer help to the local administrations in their rescue and relief work.

Besides, three helicopters are on standby to help rescue marooned people.

In Uttar Pradesh, two helicopters have been placed at the disposal of the State government.

Central government is constantly monitoring the flood situation in various states. A senior official in the Home Ministry said, necessary assistance is being extended to the states that are carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas.

The flood situation in Uttar Pradesh continues to be grim. Bahraich, Lakhimpur Khiri, Sitapur, Shrawasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts are reeling under the flood waters of Ghaghra, Saryu, Rapti and other mountain rivers originating from Nepal.

The administration has resumed distribution of food packets through helicopters since early morning. Authorities said that water level is receding in river Ghaghra in Bahraich and Gonda districts giving some reprieve to the flood victims. However, the water level of Rapti is still flowing above the danger mark at all the places.

AIR correspondent quoting state relief commissioner KS Atoria reports ? that relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing in all the flood affected areas. Atoria said that over six lakh population of ten districts is affected in the floods.

He said that all arrangements including medical aid, food and civil supplies, help to livestock and other emergent conditions are in place. He, however could not confirm the exact number of the human loss due to flood. He said that 28 bodies have been recovered and many more may be found later when the water level recedes further.

In Bihar, nearly four lakh people are affected by floods in several districts including Saharsa, Darbhanga, West Champaran and Nalanda districts. State Chief Secretary along with top officials made an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas yesterday.