Saturday, September 3 2005 19:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Bihar Governor Buta Singh today (Sept 3, 2005) said the overall flood situation in the state was 'not alarming' though 36 persons lost their lives in the recent floods.

''Thirty six persons have so far met watery grave in boat mishaps that took place in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and a few other flood-hit districts recently,'' Singh said.

He was talking to reporters after reviewing the overall flood and draught situation in Bihar at a high-level meeting with Chief Secretary G S Kang and secretaries of all concerned departments, besides the commissioners of the flood-hit Tirhut, Saran and Kosi divisions.

After assessing the situation and contacting the district collectors of flood-hit north Bihar and their counterparts in the draught-hit districts of Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad and Jehanabad through video-conferencing, the governor said the situation was 'not not alarming'.

''I have directed the authorities to further step up relief in the flood-hit districts and ensure adequate supply of electricity,'' he said adding action was also being taken against the doctors of Aurai block who were found absent in course of his recent visit to the worst-affected Aurari block in Muzaffarpur.

Chief Secretary G S Kang, who was also present, said adequate funds would be available to carry out relief operations.