FLOOD IN BIHAR

Bihar being one of the poorest states in India with 56% of the floods affected people in India are based in Bihar. It is always ravaged by recurrent floods, which has become an annual feature. One of the main reasons cited for the backwardness of Bihar has been the rivers Ganges and its tributaries- Ghaghara, Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla, Kosi, Mahananda, Sone, Punpun and Others. That is why perhaps a host of flood control and irrigation projects received prominence in the very first year plan. But, these projects instead of bringing relief from the ravages of flood, gave them new dimensions of disaster.

The recent flood in Bihar has further weakened the chances of bringing relief to the poor people. According to Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, “This is not floods but an infuriated portrayal of a calamity”. Four districts of North Bihar- Supaul, Araria, Madhepura and Purneia are being currently ravaged. The flood situation in these districts continues to be grim. There are high chances of the situation deteriorating at a fast pace. People are taking refuge either on rooftops or on trees since the floods occurred and these temporary arrangements have also proven to be fatal. Houses have collapsed under pressure of human population that has resulted in deaths by huge numbers. Number of lives has been lost and near about 25 lakh people displaced in the worst ever flood tragedy in Bihar, caused by the breaching of an embankment of the Kosi River in Nepal on August 18. There are high chances of the situation deteriorating at a fast pace. People have been stranded since the time the river started flowing in that direction. Due to lack of facilities like big motorized boats, helicopters, etc evacuation has not been carried out in the Indian segment of the flood-hit area. since the floods occurred and these temporary arrangements have also proven to be fatal. Houses have collapsed under pressure of human population that has resulted in deaths by huge numbers.

.... DETAILS OF THE DISTRICTS AND BLOCKS AFFECTED BY FLOOD

..... OUR EFFORTS IN SUPAUL DISTRICT

Bhartiya Gramin Vikas Evam Ayurved Sewa Sansthan (BGVASS), Patna has been working under the banner of CASA, Kolkata and through its own contribution in Triveniganj block covering 12 villages of Dafarka and Kusaha Macaha Panchayats in Supaul district, Bihar. So far, we have been involved in the following relief activities-

·     Distribution of baby food to children in the age group 0-6 months.

·     Distribution of dry food items.

·     Distribution of educational kits to children.

·     Distribution of family kits like blankets, cloths and kitchen sets.

·     Distribution of old cloths to 1156 people.

·     Distribution of halogen tablets.

·     Awareness on cares to be taken from diarrhea disease.

·     Survey work for need assessment of the flood-affected populations is under progress.

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...... PRIORITY NEEDS OF THE AREA

•     Dry and baby food.

•     Polythene- as there is so many people taking shelter on embankments, rail tracks and roadsides.

•     Drinking water is a major problem for these areas especially for those who are living on the embankment and roads.

•     Sanitation is a problem for women.

•     Cattle feed and veterinary camps / vaccination in various places.

•     Temporary shelter and family kits.

•     Cares to be taken for specific diseases like Kalajar and Diarrheoa.

..... PROJECTED THREATS

•     Sanitation will be a major problem for these areas as most of the people are residing on the roads and embankments. Temporary toilets are required to keep the environment clean, which will help in controlling the spread of epidemic.

•     Ready to eat food is more suitable for these areas as availability of fuel will be a       problem.

•     As rainfall trend shows that there will be heavy rainfall in the month of August and September and the situation may continue till October.

•     ORS packets are not adequate for the affected areas. Most of the doctors are busy in health camps and may need more doctors with medicines after receding of the water.

•     Health problem will be a major threat to these areas. Immunization is totally stopped due to communication disruption and people are on the road.

•     Fodder will be a major problem for these areas after few days, and there is chance of epidemic among the animals due to stagnation of water.

•     There will be no crops in all affected areas. Here most of the people are marginal farmer or agricultural labour, they may not get any opportunity for their livelihood. Migration cannot be ruled out.

•     Food is required for the affected population for next three months, as government has already declared that each family will get one-quintal wheat and 250/- per month, the existing stock is inadequate.

•     Fuel will be a major problem in terms of availability when wheat is distributed.

•     Drinking water is a major problem those who are residing on the road and  embankments.

•     Most families are having cattle’s and there is no separate space for the cattle’s, vaccination and fodder. Govt. support is not adequate.

•     Apprehension of eye flu and diarrhea in the affected areas cannot be ruled out.

.... A REQUEST

However, sincere efforts from various directions have been going on but still there is a lot to be done to bring relief to the flood affected populations. Therefore, we take this opportunity to request your organization to kindly provide your valuable support (Financial/non-financial) and guidance at this time of human needs.

.... CONTACT ADDRESS

Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Secretary

Bhartiya Gramin Vikas Evam Ayurved Sewa Sansthan (BGVASS)

Karariya Bhawan, East Lohani Pur

Railway Hunder Road, Kadamkuan

Patna-800003

Bihar (INDIA)

Mobile : 09431457942

E-mail : anil_bgvass@yahoo.com, bgvass@sify.com

Web: www.bgvass.org