With the people across Bihar facing multiple earthquake tremors with intensity of 4 to 7.5 on Richter scale for two consecutive days, the Bihar Government on Sunday turned its attention on its citizens stranded in Nepal and others who live on Bihar-Nepal borders.
Though officials admitted over 50 deaths in the State, unofficial sources claimed 76 people died and counting. While six tremors were felt on Saturday, five tremors were recorded on Sunday with two of them of severe intensity.
CM Nitish Kumar directed all his ministers and secretary rank officials to camp in the districts they hold charge of and personally monitor the relief and rescue works in the wake of large-scale destruction and loss of lives in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
The worst hit districts are mainly located on the Bihar-Nepal border from where heavy casualties have been reported. Nitish said steps have been initiated for the rescue of people from Bihar stranded in Nepal's worst-hit regions. Buses have been arranged for ferrying them to Bihar, he said and added that four base camps would be opened by his Government in the border areas to help the victims even if they are Nepalese nationals. Similarly, free medical camps are also being opened there for all and for the relief packets of chura (flattened rice), sugar and salt will be supplied to the victims.
"Since we are neighbour of Nepal, it is also our duty to help the victims of the Himalayan Kingdom. We have decided to provide relief to them. I spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and told him about our plans," said the CM after the high-level meeting with ministers and officials.
Also, the Bihar Government has ordered closure of all Government and private schools in the State for two days on Monday and Tuesday in view of multiple tremors.
Nitish appealed to the people to keep patience and not believe in the rumours like “forecast” of more earthquakes. On Sunday evening rumours spread across the Sate about rising of a different shape of moon.
On Saturday night thousands of denizens camped in Gandhi Maidan and different parks amid rumours that severe tremors would hit the state late night.
On Sunday too after the first quake at 12.46 pm, again the panicked people rushed out and camped in maidan and parks. The administration has ordered for keeping the parks open in the night. The CM has directed the officials to arrange drinking water and tents. On Sunday Nitish visited such venues which have become temporary camps for the frightened people. Ram Vilas Paswan visited earthquake-hit area in Bihar on Sunday.