By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The flood situation in Bihar has taken a dire turn, with 29 districts now affected. Disaster Management Department Minister, Santosh Suman, has indicated that the condition is becoming increasingly alarming. In response, the government is considering calling in the army, with the Air Force also on standby to aid in rescue operations. The Air Force may soon begin airlifting people trapped in flood-affected areas and drop food packets for those in need.
As of 11 am on Monday, rivers such as the Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati, Kamala Balan, and Gandak have swollen, exacerbating the crisis. Minister Suman said, “We are doing everything in our power to handle the situation. Five embankments have broken in various districts, and we are closely monitoring the situation.” Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed, while District Magistrates remain on high alert to ensure swift action.
Thousands of people have been affected as dams in multiple districts have failed. The government is working to ensure that no one faces undue hardship. NDRF and SDRF teams are actively evacuating residents to safer areas, while food packets and other relief materials are being distributed swiftly, said Minister Suman.
He also mentioned that food and boat services have been restored as part of the relief efforts. All District Magistrates have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance. The central government is closely monitoring the situation, with Union Minister Nityanand Rai overseeing the ongoing efforts in Bihar. The army will be called upon if necessary, and the central government is receiving regular updates on the situation.
Minister Suman added that officials are focusing particularly on areas like Darbhanga and Kosi, where dam breaches have worsened conditions. The Disaster Management Department is prioritising the evacuation of affected residents, with food supplies being distributed. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is personally overseeing the relief efforts and is in constant contact with officials.
Both the Bihar and central governments are providing all possible support. Rescue operations are proceeding at full pace, with 12 NDRF teams already in the flood-affected areas. Additionally, 11 SDRF teams, equipped with boats, are working tirelessly to transport people to safety.
