The Bihar government on Sunday, ordered forcible evacuation of people living in the space between the river and its embankments in nine districts of the state as the danger of flood looming large in the Kosi belt along Bihar-Nepal border.
The move follows the discharge of 1.25 lakh cusecs of water after the Nepalese Army conducted two low-intensity blasts to partially remove the landslide debris blocking Bhote Kosi, one of the tributaries of Kosi.
The release of water has raised the water level in the river in Bihar. Disaster Management Department Special Secretary Anirudh Kumar told reporters in Patna that the latest estimates show 4.25 lakh persons living around Kosi in the state could be affected if the river swells drastically. He said the government is trying to move all of them.
The state Disaster Management Department principal secretary Vyasji said the state government has put its personnel on alert and instructed the affected districts to make arrangements to evacuate 1.5 lakh people in Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Araria, Purnia, Madhubani districts.
He said the Central government, has dispatched seven additional companies of National Disaster Response Force from Kolkata to help its eight companies deployed in Supaul, Madhepura and Saharsa districts.
Meanwhile, Centre has deployed Army personnel, National Disaster Response Forces, Air Force Medical Teams and Naval Divers to protect lives and properties of the people of Bihar following floods in Kosi river.
AIR correspondent quoting official sources said Four Air Force helicopters have been kept ready at Bihta airbase to launch evacuation operations while another 17 helicopters belonging to various armed and paramilitary forces are on standby in the neighbouring states, official sources said.
Talking to reporters in New Delhi on Sunday, Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all possible help should be available to check the disaster. He said Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth has chaired three emergency meetings so far to take stock of the situation.
The state government has opened 120 relief camps for human and 17 camps for cattle to accommodate the people being moved. The displaced persons are also being provided shelter in schools and colleges located on high ground. All the camps and shelters have food, sanitation and medical facilities. The administration has situation is under control so far and there is no need to panic.
The Bhote Kosi was blocked on Friday after a massive landslide cut loose huge portions of mountains which fell on the river.
Around 25 lakh cusec of water has accumulated there as a result and the Nepal government is trying to blast it since then.
