Rain in Bihar: 32 boats have been pressed into service in flooded parts of the city
Highlights
- Many parts of Patna flooded after three days of heavy rain
- Schools in the city are shut till Tuesday
- Videos showed patients sitting on beds in flooded hospital rooms
Heavy rain continues to batter Patna where three days of unprecedented downpour has flooded homes and hospitals, bringing life to a standstill for thousands of people. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the city and more rescue teams are expected to reach later in the day. Boats are out on roads for rescue operations following Bihar rain.
13 people have died in Bihar, including four in Patna, as heavy rain caused flooding in several districts in the last three days.
A red alert, indicating likelihood of "heavy to very heavy rainfall", has been issued for Patna and other districts. The weather office has predicted heavy rainfall for the state capital till September 30.
Several state-run hospitals including the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, which is one of the largest in Patna, are flooded. Videos shared on social media showed patients sitting on beds in flooded hospital rooms. To evacuate people, 32 boats have been pressed into service in flooded parts of the city.
Flooding on roads led to huge traffic jams while heavy rain also disrupted rail traffic, leading to train cancellations and delays in the last three days. In several parts of the city, residents have complained that there's no power supply since the last two days.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is from Bihar, expressed concern on Twitter over the situation in his home state. "Reports of heavy rainfall and flood like situation coming in from PATNA.hope all of you are safe!!!" he wrote this morning.
In another video shared on social media, a rickshaw puller is seen stranded in floodwater, crying as he tries to pull the rickshaw, feeling helpless. Some residents, who are apparently recording the video, can be heard giving him directions.
Visuals also showed a flooded Raymond showroom.
The flood situation in the capital city of Bihar is unprecedented, several locals told NDTV, adding that they have not been able to buy essential commodities as shops are shut.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a review meet, via video conferencing, with officials concerned and directed immediate relief efforts. Schools are shut in the city till Tuesday.