Purnia, Aug 29 : Flood waters continue to sweep parts of Bihar and with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar describing the calamity as very grim, politicians have been asked to refrain from politicising the matter.

"This is not the time to play politics on the issue. I know this is the year of Central elections. Therefore, people are out to make comments for political reasons," Kumar said.

He appealed to inhabitants of flood-affected areas to shift to safer and more secure places or to relief camps set up by the State Government.

Kumar also apprised President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh of the hardships being faced by tens of thousands of people in districts bordering Nepal and the steps being taken by the State Government to plug the breach in the east Kosi embankment.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announced the immediate release of Rs 1,000-crore as flood relief for the state. He also announced the immediate release of 1.25 lakh metric tons of foodgrain for the affected people.

With the Kosi River continuing to unleash its fury in Bihar districts bordering Nepal, the army has been called out to help over 20 lakh marooned people.

According to the Central Water Commission, the rivers Kosi, Ganga, Ghaghra, Punpun and Burhi Gandak are flowing above the danger mark at several places along their respective courses.

The flood has affected 15 districts - Muzaffarpur, Patna, Katihar, Nalanda, West Champaran, Khagaria Sheikhpura, Purnia, Saran, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura and Araria.

Acres of human habitation and farmlands have been submerged by the waters of the Kosi river.

About a lakh marooned people have been evacuated so far, the bulk of them by government boats and many on their own. Four helicopters and 200 country boats are working overtime to ferry the men and material to safe destinations. (ANI)