Bihar Floods: CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Relief Operations in Flood-Hit Areas

Patna, 04 Oct 2024– Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an on-ground inspection of the flood-affected areas on Friday, closely monitoring the ongoing relief efforts across the state, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s office.

Several districts in Bihar are experiencing severe flooding due to large volumes of water discharged from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, a result of heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal. Rivers in many border districts have risen above danger levels, causing widespread devastation. The floods have hit northern Bihar especially hard, with water released from both the Kosi and Gandak barrages flooding large swaths of land. In Sitamarhi, a breach in the Mandar dam in the Belsand block on September 29 worsened the situation. By October 3, residents in Muzaffarpur’s Aurai block were forced to evacuate their homes due to rising floodwaters.

In the wake of these floods, many displaced residents have resorted to setting up temporary shelters using tarpaulins along roadsides, seeking refuge from the waterlogged areas. Local authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen noted that rising water levels in the Bagmati River, combined with dam breaches in Sitamarhi and Sheohar, have worsened the situation. “We are continuously monitoring the water levels and the overall flood situation,” Sen said.

To alleviate the struggles of the flood-hit population, the government has established community kitchens in the worst-affected regions. “Community kitchens have been set up wherever there is demand, particularly in the two most severely impacted districts. We are ensuring that these kitchens are easily accessible, so people don’t have to travel far,” said the District Magistrate. In addition, authorities are facilitating boat transport to assist with movement in flooded areas. Sen added, “We have adopted a flexible approach, responding to the needs of the people. Two senior officials are on-site, overseeing all flood relief operations.”

In terms of material aid, over 20,000 polythene sheets have been distributed to the hardest-hit areas, with more on the way. “Today, we are continuing to distribute additional polythene sheets, and medical camps have been established in key locations. We’ve also arranged for veterinary doctors to provide support where necessary,” Sen confirmed. The state government is working around the clock to provide much-needed relief to the flood victims and is committed to addressing the challenges caused by this severe natural calamity.