Relief supplies on way to Indian flood victims

PATNA, India (CNN) -- The Indian government said Wednesday it is sending food and equipment to help the estimated 3 million people in a flood-ravaged area of the country's northeast.

The flooding in Bihar, among the poorest states in India, has forced more than 679,000 people from their homes, according to the state, which puts the death toll at 66. The federal government warns it may be much higher.

The misery began on August 18, when a dam in Nepal broke amid heavy monsoon rains. The water breached the eastern embankment of the Kosi River, which straddles the India-Nepal border.

Water flushed through the breach so forcefully that the river changed course in Bihar, flooding thousands of villages in both countries.

A team of government officials, including the cabinet and defense secretaries, visited the state Tuesday, the government said. The team discussed relief operations and reviewed food distribution, as well as the evacuation of marooned people.

The government announced Wednesday that it has sent thousands of army troops to the state to conduct rescue and relief operations. In addition, the air force and army have deployed nearly a dozen helicopters to drop food packets and provide logistical support. Watch the effects of the flooding »

The government said it has also sent water purifying equipment and material to build relief camps.

"[The] Ministry of Home Affairs is in constant touch with the state government and closely monitoring the situation round the clock," the government said in a news release.

Fears of water-borne diseases have emerged because of the flooding, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

"No outbreaks have been reported in India nor Nepal," said Poonam Singh of the agency's South-East Asian Regional Office, in a written statement.

But the risk for disease exists, "due to the massive population displacements, hot climate, stretched hygiene and sanitation levels and eventual pools of stagnant water left behind by receding flood waters," he said.

WHO is supplying 100 chloroscopes to assess water quality and is raising awareness on measles immunization, the organization said.

In Nepal, the agency has sent enough medicine to treat more than 120,000 people for one month. It has also dispatched anti-malaria and anti-diarrhea supplies.

Also on Wednesday, the European Commission said it has launched a €1 million euro ($1.4 million) plan to help those affected in Nepal and India. In addition, more than a million euros is being raised for food aid and other relief activities in Bihar.

A humanitarian aid team will also assess needs in Bihar, the EC said.

CNN's Sara Sidner contributed to this report.

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