Kosi changes course after 300 years, 15 lakh marooned in Bihar Flood

Nearly 15 lakh people marooned in 15 districts in flood-hit Bihar, after river Kosi changed its course after 300 years. Over 50 people died so far. Army has been called in to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Boats and IAF helicopters have been pressed into service. According to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, nearly 1.25 lakh cusecs of water is flowing in the new course taken by Kosi. If the water goes up to 4 - 5 lakh cusecs, it will be difficult to save the lives of the people and half of Bihar will be submerged.

Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa and Araria districts were worst affected due to the change in course of Kosi river. The 15 districts in Bihar, affected by flood are Muzaffarpur, Patna, Katihar, Nalanda, West Champaran, Khagaria Sheikhpura, Purnia, Saran, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura and Araria. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar have urged the Prime Minister to intervene.