PATNA: Widespread flooding in Bihar has affected nearly five million people, officials said on Tuesday, as relief operations were stepped up and cash assistance was transferred to hundreds of thousands of families.
Heavy rains have swollen rivers across the state and the Bihar Water Resources Department reported that all seven of the state's key rivers were above their danger levels. The Disaster Management Department put the number of people affected at nearly five million.
State relief measures and cash transfers
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said in an official statement that the state government has transferred ₹7,000 each to more than 8.27 lakh families identified as flood-affected. The payments are intended as immediate relief to meet urgent needs while rescue and rehabilitation continue.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said essential supplies are being sent to impacted communities. "Food, clean drinking water, medicines, and other essential facilities are being continuously provided to the needy families," he said in a statement issued by the government.
On-the-ground operations and priorities
State agencies, including the Disaster Management Department and the Water Resources Department, are co-ordinating with district administrations to prioritise rescue, relief and rehabilitation. Officials said efforts are focused on reaching isolated villages, setting up relief camps, and restoring supply lines for potable water and medical aid.
People in low-lying blocks and riverine belts have been moved to higher ground where possible, while boats and collaborators from local administration and voluntary organisations are assisting stranded families.
"The government's priority is that every affected family gets flood relief and reconstruction work is done with a spirit of building back better," the chief minister said in a statement.
Relief details in brief
- People affected: Nearly 5,000,000 (Disaster Management Department)
- Families receiving cash aid: 8,27,000+
- Cash per family: ₹7,000
- Rivers above danger level: All seven key rivers (Water Resources Department)
Officials said the cash transfers are meant to provide immediate support for food, medicines and other necessities. The state has also mobilised stocks of grain, packaged drinking water and essential medicines for distribution through district control rooms.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| People affected | Nearly 5,000,000 |
| Families paid | 8,27,000+ |
| Cash per family | ₹7,000 |
Local impact and longer-term concerns
Bihar is among India's most flood-prone states and repeated annual inundation damages crops, housing and rural infrastructure. Officials said the state government intends to combine immediate relief with reconstruction work that aims to reduce vulnerability in future floods.
District administrations are compiling lists of damaged households and agriculture losses to guide rehabilitation packages. Restoration of roads, bridges and embankments will be a priority where damage has cut off access to relief.
Authorities also warned of water-borne disease risks in areas where drinking water sources and sanitation have been affected and urged families to use boiled or packaged water until supplies are restored.
Meanwhile, the state government has asked residents in low-lying areas to follow evacuation orders and co-operate with rescue teams. Further updates on the extent of damage and the progress of relief operations are expected as assessments continue.
This developing situation will require sustained administrative focus through the monsoon months as recovery and rebuilding plans are prepared for the worst-hit communities.
