Bettiah: With the monsoon approaching, the West Champaran district administration has completed extensive preparations to tackle floods and ensure timely rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
Flood Control Arrangements Updated
District disaster management officer Amarendra Kumar said on Saturday that, on the directions of district magistrate Taranjot Singh, all flood-control arrangements have been updated and kept in readiness.
“Nepal often receives heavy rainfall within a short span. Large releases of water from Valmikinagar Barrage into the Gandak river, along with cloud shifts, lead to flooding in the district. All arrangements are being updated to tackle any potential flood situation,” Kumar said.
Boat Agreements and Rescue Teams
To evacuate stranded residents, the administration has signed agreements with 90 private boat owners. The transport department has been directed to ensure registration and fitness certification of all boats before the onset of the monsoon.
Officials said 165 shelter centres and 10 dedicated flood relief camps have been identified across the district. In addition, 270 community kitchens will be made operational to provide food to affected residents. For rescue operations, 133 trained divers and 141 rescue teams have been deployed. The administration has also arranged 98 life jackets for the safety of rescue personnel.
Emergency Supplies Stocked
Kumar said 11,850 polythene sheets, one mega net, one inflatable lighting system and three GPS sets have been stocked for emergency use.
Preparations for essential relief materials, including gram, sattu, chura, jaggery and salt, are also being finalised. The tendering process for procuring food supplies is in its final stage, he added.
The district magistrate has directed all departments to complete preparations related to boats, boatmen, divers, communication systems, flood shelters and other emergency infrastructure in advance to ensure an effective response in case of flooding.
