Let up in overall Bihar flood situation

PATNA: The flood situation in Bihar on Monday improved with major rivers continuing to recede following scanty rainfall but the state's road link with the northeast remained cut off due to the swollen Kosi river.

State disaster management sources said there was no no report of any fresh death from anywhere in the 19 flood-hit districts and toll in the recent spell of floods remained at 260.

The state's road link with the northeast was snapped by the Kosi, submerging National Highway 31 at several places in Khagaria and Bhagalpur districts, the sources said.

IAF helicopters and motorised boats requisitioned from the army continued to reach relief to the flood-hit people.

Central Water Commission sources said swollen water of rivers would decrease further in the next 24 hours.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi yesterday, had demanded that the Centre provide assistance of Rs 8,600 crore to expedite relief operations.

He had also requested the prime minister to help the state government in getting aid packages from the Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions.