Large parts of Bihar's towns and villages were under a sea of water yesterday in the worst flooding in 30 years, forcing the authorities to turn to the military for rescue and relief operations.
Muzaffarpur town was said to have turned into a `floating city' while vast neighbourhoods in Patna were in ankle deep-water as the surging waters claimed 15 lives and affected over two million people across the state.
Official sources said military personnel in navy boats and air force helicopters were preparing to rescue the marooned and drop food packets in over 500 villages in the districts of Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, Supaul, Patna, Saharsa, Bhagalpur and West Champaran.
The Central Water Commission has warned that more areas might get flooded soon because rivers flowing through the state have crossed danger levels and breached several embankments.
The governor has directed legislators to personally monitor the distribution of relief packages. Leave of all officials posted in flood-hit areas has been cancelled.
