New Delhi: Despite apologising for a the breach in the River Kosi on Saturday, Nepal has released another 2.5 lakh cuesec of water from the Kosi barrage.
This may lead to the water level rising drastically up to an additional 2.5 feet.
On Saturday afternoon, Nepal's Foreign Minister, Upendra Yadav had said that the breach was not noticed on time and that repair work was delayed.
"Nobody noticed the cracks in the beginning. When it was about to break a few people went there to repair it. But they had a feud with the local workers and the work stopped. The next day the dam collapsed," Yadav said.
However, Yadav also sought to blame India for the breach in the Kosi embankment that caused floods.
On Saturday, Nepal demanded compensation for it while noting that China had already extended assistance to meet the situation.
"Maintenance and repair of the Kosi embankment is the responsibility of India as per the agreement signed by the two countries. There have been some shortcomings in the maintenance of the Kosi embankment," Yadav said.
As per the Kosi Treaty, he said, India was bound to give compensation, carry out rescue and rehabilitation of the people affected by floods in Nepal.
Asked whether he demanded a compensation package during his talks with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Yadav said, "It (providing compensation) is understood as both countries are bound by the Treaty."
The Treaty makes it clear that the losses caused due to floods is entirely the responsibility of India, he said.
The minister pointed out that China had extended $ 3 lakh as assistance to deal with the flood situation and the people of Nepal are "still awaiting help from India".
"We expect India to help us in the rehabilitation of the flood affected people in Nepal," he said.
Yadav said the floods had damaged a highway connecting eastern and western regions of Nepal and that he had sought transit facility through India for Nepalese wanting to travel between these two regions.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had called for a meeting on Saturday afternoon with all NGOs and social health groups working in Bihar.
About 2.4 lakh people have been rescued from the flood hit districts of Bihar. One lakh people have been relocated to relief camps.
Nearly 27 lakh people in 1,600 villages have been affected, thousands of them marooned on thin strips of dry land. Damaged roads and submerged railway tracks have hampered relief efforts.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised the delivery of 1,25,000 metric tons of grain to the region. The Punjab government has also pitched in to provide 1,200 tons of free fodder.
(With inputs from PTI)
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