Nitish Kumar urges Centre to send team to assess flood damage

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday requested the central government to send a team to assess the damage and destruction caused by one of the worst floods in the state that have affected millions of people.

"I request central government to send a team to assess the damage and destruction by the floods in Bihar and the team should submit its report to the Centre for financial assistance," Nitish Kumar told media here.

He also expressed his satisfaction over ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood affected districts by the state government.

The Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected Bhagalpur and Purnea districts on Sunday. He also visited relief camps and met flood victims, and held review meetings of relief and rescue operations with district officials.

Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad has accused the central government of not helping flood-hit Bihar.

According to official reports, 3.7 million people in 2,037 villages in 12 districts of Bihar have been hit by the floods.

Nearly half a million people have been evacuated, including 3.03 lakh who have found shelter in relief camps set up by the government.

According to the government, the death toll stands at 58.

--IANS

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