The Kosi river has flooded 15 districts of Bihar. Supaul, Araria, Saharsa and Madhepura districts are severely affected. At least 46 persons were reportedly killed by the flood. Nearly 13 lakh people in more than 550 villages have been affected by the flood. Indian Army has started relief operations in the affected areas. Indian Air Force personnel are also engaged in relief operations.

            Though too much rain did not occur in the flooded areas in the past few days, Kosi’s changing course has compounded the problem. It is taking a channel it had abandoned nearly 200 years ago. Ganga, Kosi, Punpun and Burhi Gandak are all reportedly flowing above the danger level at various places.

Relief camps and veterinary centers in the state are reportedly working round-the-clock. Anti-venom serum and diarrhea drugs have been dispatched to primary health centers in the flood affected areas.