Nitish Kumar Surveys Flood-Hit North Bihar as Relief Efforts Intensify Across 16 Districts

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in North Bihar, assessing the water levels of the Kosi, Bagmati, and Gandak rivers, which have caused widespread devastation due to breaches in embankments. Accompanied by Water Resources Minister Vijay Chaudhary, Disaster Management Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Pratyaya Amrit, and other officials, Kumar reviewed the flood-affected regions.

Sixteen districts in Bihar, including East and West Champaran, Araria, Kishanganj, and Darbhanga, have been impacted by the floods. According to the Disaster Management Department, floodwaters have entered 289 gram panchayats across 55 blocks, affecting nearly 9.9 lakh people.

The Water Resources Department reported embankment breaches in seven locations across four districts, with major damages in Sitamarhi, West Champaran, Sheohar, and Darbhanga. The breaches have worsened flooding in surrounding areas, forcing residents to evacuate.

Relief and rescue operations are underway, with district authorities, SDRF, NDRF, and local boats assisting in evacuating affected communities. The Disaster Management Department is actively engaged, and ACS Pratyaya Amrit carried out an aerial survey the previous day to assess the situation. Guidelines have been issued to district officials to intensify relief efforts.

A total of 30 NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed, with additional teams arriving from Varanasi and Ranchi. The district administration has set up 127 community kitchens, providing food to approximately 49,400 people, along with 71 relief camps sheltering around 54,700 displaced individuals. So far, over 30,000 polythene sheets and 25,600 dry ration packets have been distributed. Additionally, 800 boats are in operation to aid those stranded by floodwaters.

Healthcare services have also been mobilised, with doctors and medicines deployed in flood-affected areas. Eight boat ambulances equipped with mobile medical teams are providing essential care to those in need.