Bihar’s Disaster Management Department Ramps Up Aid in Flood-Affected Districts

Patna: A team of senior officials, led by Bihar’s Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyaya Amrit, conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Darbhanga and Sitamarhi districts on Monday on the orders of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Following the survey, the officials, accompanied by Darbhanga’s District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, visited key locations to assess the damage.

In a meeting with local authorities, Pratyaya emphasised the need for immediate action, directing that relief and rescue efforts be carried out on a war footing. He highlighted the urgent situation in Darbhanga, where many residents have taken shelter on embankments. In response, measures are being implemented, including the provision of generators for lighting, and the construction of temporary toilets.

By the end of the day, 19 community kitchens were expected to be operational to ensure food supplies for those displaced. Boat services have been arranged to facilitate movement for the affected communities, and the distribution of dry ration packets is set to begin the following day. A medical team has also been deployed to provide healthcare services, while the district’s animal husbandry officer has been tasked with ensuring sufficient fodder for livestock.

Pratyaya stressed that all relief efforts must be executed in accordance with the state’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Senior officials, including Shirsat Kapil Ashok, Chairman of the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, and Ashutosh, Joint Secretary of the Building Construction Department, have been instructed to remain stationed in Darbhanga to oversee operations.

After the Darbhanga visit, Pratyaya conducted another aerial survey over the Belsand block in Sitamarhi district. The Disaster Management Officer on Special Duty, Rahul Kumar, has been assigned to Sitamarhi to coordinate relief efforts.