Bihar floods: Congress leader Kharge calls for immediate assistance for victims and faster rescue operations.

New Delhi, October 3: In light of the flood crisis in Bihar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called on both the Central and State governments to accelerate relief and rescue efforts and ensure sufficient compensation for those affected.

Kharge expressed his concerns in a post on X, stating that the situation in Bihar has become "extremely painful." He highlighted that approximately 1.5 million people across 17 districts have been impacted, with reports of multiple fatalities in recent days. He noted that infrastructure, including bridges, has collapsed and many homes have been destroyed, particularly in North Bihar.

Kharge emphasized the urgent need for quicker relief and rescue operations to provide immediate assistance to the victims. He also extended his gratitude to the Indian Air Force and NDRF and SDRF personnel for their ongoing efforts, while urging state government agencies to contribute more help. Furthermore, he insisted that the central government must ensure adequate compensation for every flood victim, particularly farmers whose crops have been ruined.

The severe flooding in Bihar is attributed to significant water discharge from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, following continuous rainfall in Nepal’s catchment areas. In various regions, residents are being forced to evacuate their waterlogged homes, setting up temporary shelters with tarpaulin along roadsides.

To tackle accessibility challenges, authorities have permitted boat transport in flooded zones. The District Magistrate indicated that a more flexible approach is being taken to meet the needs of residents, with two senior officials assigned to oversee operations.

A significant amount of water has been released from the Kosi and Gandak barrages, impacting northern Bihar and Nepal. Flooding in Sitamarhi was exacerbated by a breach in the Mandar dam in the Belsand block on September 29.