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A recent survey has revealed glaring deficiencies in flood relief and rehabilitation measures in Bihar’s Kosi region.
The study, conducted by Kosi Nav Nirman Manch, covered 1,081 families across 38 villages in Supaul, Saharsa, Madhubani and Darbhanga districts, found that not only did the early warning system fail, but the majority of flood-affected families were left without government assistance.
Shockingly, 62.1 per cent of households received no rescue or relief support, while rehabilitation efforts were equally inadequate, leaving most victims without proper resettlement or compensation.
The survey highlighted a critical breakdown in disaster communication, with only 26.2 per cent of families receiving flood alerts through official channels.
The remaining 73.8 per cent relied on informal networks, underscoring the government’s failure in disseminating timely warnings. Even when alerts were issued, many arrived too late — 504 families had mere hours to evacuate, while 313 received no warning at all. Despite receiving the notice about rising water levels, 671 families could not leave, either due to misjudging the danger or fearing for their livestock and belongings.
Rescue operations were severely lacking, with a mere 8.3 per cent of families evacuated by government boats. The overwhelming majority —94.1 per cent — had to pay exorbitant sums for private transport, plunging them deeper into financial distress.
Relief camps were scarcely available, with 69.3 per cent of families reporting no access to shelters or community kitchens. Compensation distribution was another failure — while 58.6 per cent received ex-gratia payments, 40.6 per cent were left with nothing.
No aid was provided for lost household items, damaged homes, or livestock, and only 3.1 per cent received crop damage compensation.
The plight of flood victims was further highlighted during a public hearing in Patna on March 25, where survivors shared harrowing accounts of neglect.
Rekha Devi from Supaul described how she saved her children by floating them on a makeshift raft, yet her family remains without rehabilitation. Pramila Devi recounted losing her home to the river but receiving no compensation. Others, like Santosh Mukhiya and Alok Rai, spoke of being unable to resettle due to land grabs. Dayarani Devi broke down while recalling her desperate struggle to save her drowning child.
Retired Justice Arun Kumar criticised the government’s flawed relief mechanisms, demanding urgent policy reforms.