PTI 
 
PURNIA, Aug 31: Spelling further trouble for lakhs of people already devastated by the floods in Bihar, the Kosi breached the Jankinagar Branch Canal (JBC) embankment in Purnia district on Saturday night, official sources said.

The Kosi broke through its eastern embankment at Jankinagar and the flood water was fast inundating villages in Dharhara Kothi, Dhamdaha and Bhavanipur blocks of Purnia district, Additional District Magistrate Bhupendra Kumar Singh said.

The breach occurred after Nepal reportedly discharged around 2.5 lakh cusec of water into the river.

The water was over topping Banmankhi-Bihariganj railway line, which was hitherto proving to be the lifeline for the victims of Bihariganj block of Madhepura district escaping to safety at Banmankhi and Purnia town, leading to suspension of train traffic on the route.

Roiling waters are flowing six feet deep through Madhepura town, the district headquarters. The town is sinking by the hour. SOS calls from the distressed are bouncing back from a government conspicuous by its inadequacy.

The canal carries water of the Kosi from Birpur in worst-affected Supaul district to Rupauli in Purnia where it merges in the main course of the swollen river once again.

Singh said efforts to plug the breach have been hindered by the strong currents and enveloping darkness.