Rains lash parched Bihar

PATNA - Rains continued to lash Bihar’s capital Patna and other parts for the fourth day Tuesday giving relief to people hit by scanty rainfall this year, even as Met officials predicted more downpour across the state Wednesday.

Heavy rains lashed Patna Tuesday evening leading to water logging in some areas and affecting normal life.

“In Patna, various residential colonies in low lying areas are under knee-deep water and road traffic was badly affected after rains,” a police official said.

Meteorological Department Director Animesh Chandra told IANS that monsoon rains in last few days were a positive sign in Bihar which has been facing rain deficiency as it will help farmers cut crop losses.

Chandra said that rains will continue for another one or two days across the state.

In view of over 30 percent rainfall deficit, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Aug 15 declared that the entire state was drought-hit.

Early this month, the state government declared 28 of its 38 districts drought-hit in view of the scanty rainfall.

The drought has affected hundreds of thousands of people for the second consecutive year, the government said.

Low rainfall so far has hit paddy sowing and transplantation in Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal, Nawada, Patna, Rohtas, Kaimur and Nalanda districts.