Published 18:03 IST, October 3rd 2019
Bihar Govt was informed about incessant rainfall, claims MeT official
Indian Meteorological department scientist has claimed that the Bihar Government was repeatedly informed about the life-threatening rainfall much in advance
At a time when the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar Government facing the heat of the public for poor management during the flash flood, a scientist from the Meteorological Department has said that the government was informed about the threatening incessant rainfall much in advance. Anand Shankar from the Meteorological Department told ANI, "The first indication of heavy rainfall was received on September 19. We properly informed the state government and other stakeholders in this regard."
Repeated alerts sent
After alerting the government on September 19, Shankar claimed of sending repeated reminders of the rainfall alert to the government offices in Bihar. From September 26 onwards, we started sending press releases to the state government and informed all government offices; we were in constant touch with the officials so they are alert, Shankar added.
The weather forecasting report says that a few districts in North Bihar are expected to receive heavy rainfall while Patna may receive light rainfall over the next two days. The residents are held captive inside their houses as going out in knee-length water is out of option. Moreover, the stagnant water has now started to stink, causing the State to be under the threat of widespread diseases.
Fogging process begins
The Bihar government on Thursday began the fogging process in the waterlogged areas of the flood-hit State. It is being done to prevent the risk of vector-borne diseases in the flood-affected regions. Routine life has been adversely affected as there is no electricity or water in the houses. People are also suffering due to a shortage of food. At least, 73 people have reportedly died and nine reported injured according to state officials. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reportedly rescued over 10,000 people from the Patna region of Bihar, with rescue teams rowing people across the flooded roads in inflated boats.
(With ANI inputs)
Updated 22:45 IST, October 3rd 2019