Patna (Bihar): Incessant rains has brought the state capital to tears, literally, as many areas remained inundated in knee-deep to chest-high water on the fourth consecutive day on Monday. At least 29 people have died due to heavy rainfall in the state.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar questioned the accuracy of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)'s forecast over rainfall. He also blamed nature - excessive rain - for the flood fury and not the lack of preparedness of the government.
Spat between IMD and CM over weather forecast Refuting the charges asserted by the state chief minister, IMD on Monday claimed that it had made its weather forecast accurate and precise through the application of modern technology. IMD also confirmed that they have alerted the government about rains on September 26.
IMD, Patna Director (In charge) Anand Shankar stated that IMD gives its weather forecast through application of modern technology.
Shankar said, "IMD in its weather forecast had predicted on September 19 itself that Bihar would record rainfall more than average this year. In its forecast on September 26, IMD had predicted that there would be heavy downpour for four days till September 29."
He further said that now Bihar would witness normal to moderate rainfall only.
Large parts of the city have been witnessing acute waterlogging, with residents resorting to unusual modes of transportation in order to move from one place to another.
Some of the areas in the city experienced long power cuts and complete blackout. Residents remained indoors and even those having medical emergency struggled to get any relief as the residences of most of the doctors were submerged in rainwater.
On Sunday, Nitish Kumar said, "There has been heavy rainfall in some areas from three days and water in Ganga River is rising constantly. But there are proper arrangements and administration is at the spot."
The state government has requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) for two helicopters for lifting and airdropping food packets and medicines, in the flood-affected areas of the region. Dewatering machines have also been sought by the state to provide relief.
Meanwhile, the rescue forces including NDRF and SDRF are working in full swing to provide relief and rescue to the stranded people here.
The Nitish Kumar government is said to be working on a compensation package for flood-affected regions. It is only ironical that just days back on September 13 the Nitish Kumar government announced a compensation package for drought-affected families.
A compensation of Rs 3,000 each was announced for drought-hit families in 18 districts of Bihar. However, this came with a rider that only those families that did not receive compensation as victims of the July flood could claim the relief. The government had given Rs 6,000 to flood-affected families.
Also read: Bihar rains LIVE: IAF choppers drop relief materials and food packages
