One killed in heavy rains in Bihar post Cyclone Phailin

A 70-year-old man was killed when his thatched hut collapsed due to heavy rains in the aftermath of Cyclone Phailin in Bihar's Madhepura district.

The incident occurred when the deceased, Srilal Yadav, was sleeping last night in his thatched hut at Mathahi village in Madhepura district, which collapsed due to incessant rains and he was trapped under the debris, police said.

The moderate rains which began yesterday picked up throughout the day lashing almost all districts in the state.

The situation is likely to worsen as the weather office predicted heavy deluge in north and south Bihar districts in the next 24 hours.

Sources said Begusarai received maximum rain of 218 mm, followed by Purnia (106 mm), Katihar (103 mm), Muzaffarpur (93 mm), Vaishali (85 mm). Patna received 78 mm and other districts too witnessed rains in the excess of 70 mm.

The rains damaged properties and standing crops, while power supply was disrupted in several districts, they said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological office has forecast heavy to heavier rains in south and north Bihar districts over the next 24 hours.

Patna Met Director Ashish Kumar Singh told agencies that North Bihar districts, particularly those in upper catchment area near Nepal will receive heavier rainfall over the next 24 hours that may create a flood-like situation in some districts.

The south Bihar districts will receive a heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, he said, adding that the depression caused by cyclone Phailin will taper off over the next two days.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a crisis management group meeting to review the situation, official sources said.

Official sources said Kumar directed the district magistrates to take effective steps for the safety of the people and distribution of relief materials among people.

He asked the district magistrates through video conferencing to monitor the situation and abide the directions of the Disaster Management Department and standard operating procedure to deal with the threatened floods.

He said the preparations made to deal with the Indian Meteorological Department's rain warning last month will come handy in dealing with the heavy rainfall now.

Kumar asked the Disaster Management Department officials to prepare a list of houses damaged in the rains for distribution of assistance as per the provisions.

Principal Secretary (DMD) Vyasji gave a brief presentation during the meeting highlighting the IMD warning about heavy to very heavy rainfall in Bihar with gusts of wind with a velocity of 40 to 50 km due to the impact of Cyclone Phailin.

Chief Secretary A K Sinha said preparations have been made to deal with any likelihood of flood-like situation in north Bihar districts due to heavy rains taking place in the upper catchment area of Nepal which may swell Kosi and other rivers.