Patna: Bihar has stepped up vigilance in view of heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Gandak River in Nepal’s Terai region, with authorities in vulnerable districts directed to remain on high alert and keep rescue and relief resources ready.
A high-level review meeting was held at the Disaster Management Department under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Saturday morning to assess the situation and preparedness measures.
The meeting was attended by Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall and Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, along with district magistrates of several vulnerable districts through video conferencing.
18 Districts Under Special Surveillance
Special monitoring has been ordered in Sitamarhi, West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Vaishali, Gopalganj, Saran, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Katihar, Khagaria and Begusarai, as well as other vulnerable areas.
District administrations have been instructed to continuously monitor river water levels and flow, low-lying areas, embankments, riverside villages, bridges, culverts and connecting roads.
Although water levels in the Kosi have declined, districts along the river have also been directed to maintain vigilance.
NDRF, SDRF Asked To Remain Ready
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been instructed to remain on alert to respond to any emerging situation.
Authorities have also been directed to ensure the availability of adequate numbers of boats, life jackets, rescue equipment and other essential resources in the concerned districts.
The administration has been told to keep resources in standby or active mode so that rescue and relief operations can begin without delay if required.
Early Warnings And Evacuation Plans
District administrations have been instructed to disseminate early warnings widely through public announcements and miking in potentially affected areas.
If the situation requires, people in vulnerable locations are to be shifted to safer areas in a timely manner.
The Chief Secretary also directed officials to maintain continuous coordination among the district administration, police, Water Resources Department, Disaster Management Department and other concerned agencies.
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Government Urges Public Not To Panic
The state government is continuously monitoring the situation, according to the administration.
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directed district magistrates to keep public representatives and residents informed through regular press conferences and to counter rumours regarding the situation.
Officials said the administration is fully alert and that necessary rescue and relief resources are being kept ready in vulnerable areas.
For emergency assistance, residents can contact the Disaster Management Department’s toll-free helpline at 1070.
