Bihar braces up for flood relief

With monsoon set to hit Bihar on June 10, the state Disaster Management today said it was gearing up to provide succour to the population in flood affected areas, which is an annual feature.
Addressing the media a day before observance of the "flood security week" starting from tomorrow, vice-chairman of state Disaster Management Authority Vyasji said that this year transgenders would be given preferential treatment in relief operation in addition to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
"As per SOP (Standard Operation Procedure) pregnant women and lactating mothers are given preferential treatment in flood relief operation. From this year we would include transgenders in that category," he told reporters.

Flanked by senior officials of Disaster Management department, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), Vyasji said that like last year this time also no VIP would be given any relief boat to tour inundated areas at the cost of serving needy.
"Last year a notification was issued directing District Magistrates not to allot boats engaged in flood relief operation to any VIP for touring inundated areas without permission from the state capital. The same would be in operation this time too," he said.
Vyasji said that as per SOP, information is collected regarding Expected Date of Delivery of pregnant ladies with the help of Aganwadi kendra workers.

"Extra care is taken for moving promptly pregnant women to nearest hospital or in emergency case arrangement is also made on boat during time of rescue," he said.

The state government provides Rs 15,000 instantly to a mother in case of birth of a girl child during flood time and Rs 10,000 in case of newly born boy, Vyasji said.
In course of June 1-7 week-long flood safety week, strategy would be planned for carrying relief and rehabilitation work in still more better way than past, he said.
Twenty-eight districts of Bihar out of a total of 38 are flood prone.