London, Aug 29 (PTI) Britain today announced that it would provide 150,000 pounds (about Rs 1.2 Crore) to help flood victims

in Bihar where more than 2.6 million people in 15 districts have been affected.

The British government's Department for International Development (DFID) said it has asked UNICEF to redirect 150,000 pounds

of an existing Trust Fund for immediate assistance to those who have been made homeless by the severe floods in the

impoverished Indian state.

The funding will be used to supply up to 20 camps, which currently house 10,000 displaced families, with clean water, shelter

and sanitation.

"The situation in Bihar is particularly serious and the UK has responded quickly to provide help to those affected," said

Shahid Malik, Britain's International Development Minister.

He said Britain was in contact with the Government of Bihar "and are on standby to step up assistance if needed". "We will

continue to monitor the situation closely," he added.

The situation in Bihar is particularly serious following a 2-km breach in the eastern embankment of Kosi River in Kusha on

the Indo-Nepal border, which occurred on August 18. More than 2.6 million people in 15 districts of Bihar have been affected by the disaster.