Bihar Floods Wreak Havoc; Government Response Very Snail-Paced

The heavy rainfall that has been wreaking havoc in Nepal, and the eastern region of Bihar since past few days, has resulted in the Seemanchal districts of witnessing one of the most devastating floods in recent history. Five deaths have been reported in the state today, raising the death toll to 22. The Government estimate suggests that 17.85 lakh people have been affected in 10 districts of the state.

In the catchment areas of Nepal and the Seemanchal districts, the water levels in rivers such as Mahananda and Kankai (a tributary of KosiRiver) have risen alarmingly, causing floods in the four districts. The waters of Mahananda breached its embankment near the Minapur village in Purnia district, in the wee hours of Monday. Several more villages in Kishanganj and Purnia districts have also been affected by the breach.

While Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – who was voted to power for the third consecutive terms – is busy making and breaking alliances, people in Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria and Katihar districts are struggling with nature’s fury. The local administration seems to ignore the plight of the people, and have only given out assurance to the aggrieved. The state government has announced that NDRF and SDRF teams have been sent out for relief and rescue works, but the response of the rescue operation appears to be quite slow.

Though 6,000 food packets were air dropped among the flood victims, stuck at different places in the affected districts, it was definitely not enough for all. People seemed to be extremely frustrated with the response from the state government. “The government has not so far declared any special package, neither have they held any cabinet meeting to discuss the issue,” said Mumtaz Naiyer, a resident of Kishanganj, pursuing postdoctoral research at University Hospital in Southampton, to Newsclick.

The crops (jute, paddy, ginger, etc.) have been damaged badly. “The time ahead is full of challenges for the local farmers. They have lost everything – their houses, crops and means of livelihood” Naiyer added.

Although the estimate of loss has not been reported yet, it might run in crores. “The government must waive the loans of farmers without any delay. Ex-gratia must be provided to the affected families as per the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms,” he said. He also demanded that the state government persuade the Central government to release the funds under Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.

Urging the state government to pay heed to the sufferings of the people and direct officials concerned to do the rescue and relief operations on war footing, MdMudassirAlam, another resident of Kishanganj who works as PRO at Central University of South Bihar, said, “It is my appeal to the state government to expedite the relief and rescue works before it is too late.”

Several SOS messages have been received by Newsclick from villagers of Tarabari in Baisi Tehsil in Purnia district. Located between Mahananda and Kankai rivers, this village with a population of around 15,000 people has turned into an island. It has no roads and bridges connecting it to the outer world.

“We are trapped from all sides and have been badly hit by the worst flood in four decades. We are stuck on the roof of our houses. The water level has refused to recede. We are yet to receive any government help. Please send this message out to the government so that it comes into action,” Masood Alam, a resident of the village told Newsclick through a text message.

The most worrying part is the health issue of the residents of the flood affected areas. After the water starts receding, countless infectious diseases will take the form of an epidemic. The government must alert health department to tackle any unforeseen health crisis because of the floods and rains. The government should also work on the proposed Mahananda basin project to avoid loss of this scale in the future.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author's personal views, and do not necessarily represent the views of Newsclick.