Bhagalpur: Despite a three-day respite from incessant rain, the number of flood-affected people in Bhagalpur has continued to rise as floodwater entered low-lying areas along the Ganga and Kosi tributaries in Naugachia subdivision.The number of affected panchayats has risen from 82 to 92 at 13 locations, while villages have increased from 269 to 376. Around 6.4 lakh people and nearly 1.5 lakh families are now severely affected, according to officials.Bhagalpur DM Alankrita Pandey is monitoring relief operations and evacuation efforts. So far, 23,412 people from 4,696 families have been moved to safer locations. The number of community kitchens (CKs) has been increased from 91 to 183, providing food to 5.42 lakh people in a single day, against 1.92 lakh earlier.Boat operations have also been stepped up, with 101 boats now deployed against 90 previously. A total of 8,910 polythene sheets have been distributed to affected families.The administration has increased veterinary camps from eight to 11 and is providing round-the-clock medical care. Police have also been deployed at relief camps and CKs to maintain law and order
