The latest loss figures (24th Feb. 09_ is five districts, 35 blocks, 33.29 lakh peopla, 9.97 lakh live stock., affected area 3.68 lakh hectares, 2.37 lakh houses, 527 human death a and 19,323 loss of cattle. These are official figures of Govt of Bihar and relate only to Kosi floods. Other areas are not included in this. Please check the population and area of any district yourself.

Govt has been spending something to the tune of Rs. 15-- 200 crores annually on all the embankments within the state. Separate expenditure river wise is not available with me. It may not be easily available elsewhere too.

Minimizing losses is a subject in itself but accountability of maintaining the structures is a crucial point to avoid disasters like the one that happened this year. This, however, does not mean that the losses would not be there. It is a very complex question.