Published 18:44 IST, July 25th 2020
Bihar floods affect 10 lakh; 1 lakh rescued, community kitchens & relief camps set up
Pratyaya Amrit stated that special relief shelters and camps had been set up for the evacuees and the state government was running community kitchens
As Bihar floods continue to wreak havoc, Bihar Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Saturday revealed that they were approximately 10 lakh people whose lives had been affected during the floods along with 1 lakh who had been safely evacuated.
Pratyaya Amrit stated that special relief shelters and camps had been set up for the evacuees and the state government was running community kitchens to ensure no one went hungry.
"There are 21 relief camps in the state. As many as 271 community kitchens are being operated which are providing food to around 1,20,000 people. Of these 186 are in Darbhanga," revealed Pratyaya Amrit adding that Darbhanga district was the worst affected.
IAF to distribute food packets aerially
The Disaster Management Department also revealed that three Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters were going to be used to provide food packets in inaccessible areas. The state has witnessed flooding across 30 blocks spread across 8 main districts including Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Sheohar and Supaul. He added that CM Nitish Kumar was constantly monitoring the situation and that relief operations were being carried out.
"Water Resources Department Minister Sanjay Jha, Water Resources Department Secretary and I went on an aerial review of the flood-affected areas Pakaha, Devapur, and Sangrampur. Our SOPs are clear and the Chief Minister is reviewing the situation constantly. We are taking necessary precautions due to COVID-19. While rescuing, we are giving priority to women, children, and elderly people. There are many challenges but we are well prepared," he said.
(With ANI Inputs)
Updated 18:44 IST, July 25th 2020