River Kosi threatens to swallow Katihar, Purnia districts in Bihar

The turbulent  River Kosi, which breached the eastern afflux bund at Kusaha in Nepal and has wrought catastrophe-like havoc in Bihar’s Supaul, Araria and Madhepura districts, is now threatening to swallow new swathes of land in Katihar and parts of Purnia districts.

A red alert has now been sounded in Kursela, Barari, Sameli and Amdabad blocks in Katihar district, and officials and others have been asked to keep themselves in readiness to meet any eventuality. In Supaul and Araria districts, the Army has been called in for evacuation of people. At least two million people in Supaul, Madhepura and Araria districts have been severely affected .So far 21,560 food packets have been air-dropped in the worst-hit districts of Supaul, Madhepura and parts of Araria. The five helicopters, engaged in air-dropping food packets, has made 51 sorties since August 21.