Several areas of Bihar are currently facing severe flooding. Around 22.24 lakh people have been affected across 12 districts: Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai and Arwal.
Meanwhile, water levels in several rivers, including the Ganges and Punpun, continue to rise, increasing the risk of flooding in many areas. With the situation remaining critical, it is important to stay alert and be prepared to deal with any emergency.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what one should do before, during and after a flood, how to seek help from the administration, and which government helpline numbers you can contact during an emergency.
What To Do Before A Flood?
* Keep your mobile phone fully charged and use SMS when necessary for emergency communication.
* Stay updated through television, radio and official weather alerts. Follow information issued by the administration and avoid believing or spreading rumours.
* Keep cattle and other animals in open, safe areas and make arrangements for their protection.
* Prepare an emergency kit containing essential items needed for safety and survival.
* Keep important documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs and other valuables in a waterproof bag.
* Find out about safe routes to the nearest shelter or a nearby higher and structurally safe building.
* Move to safe locations identified by government officials when advised.
* Store enough ready-to-eat food for at least a week, including biscuits, sattu, lai, roasted gram, jaggery and chuda.
* Be alert in areas prone to flash floods, including canals, drains and drainage channels.
* Get cattle and other animals vaccinated on time to protect them from diseases.
* Do not gather on or attempt to repair embankments yourself. Immediately inform the local Circle Officer (CO), block administration or district administration about any issue. In case of serious or immediate danger, call 1070.
What To Do During A Flood?
* If flooding occurs, do not enter floodwater unnecessarily. Wear suitable footwear if you have to move through water.
* Stay away from sewer lines, gutters, drains, culverts and other water channels.
* To prevent electrocution, stay away from electric poles, exposed wires and fallen power lines.
* Clearly mark open drains or manholes using visible warning signs such as red flags or barricades.
* Never walk or drive through flooded areas. Even water around two feet deep can sweep away large vehicles.
* Consume freshly cooked or dry food and keep food covered at all times.
* Drink only boiled or properly chlorinated water.
* Use disinfectants to keep your surroundings clean and reduce the risk of infections.
* Keep essential food supplies such as biscuits, lai, roasted gram, jaggery, chuda, salt, sugar and sattu available as needed.
What To Do After A Flood?
* Do not allow children to play in or near floodwater.
* Do not use electrical appliances that have been damaged or exposed to water. Get them checked by a qualified person first.
* If instructed by authorities, switch off utilities from the main switch and unplug appliances. Never touch wet electrical equipment.
* Watch out for damaged power poles, exposed wires, sharp objects and debris.
* Do not eat food that has come into contact with floodwater.
* Use mosquito nets to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria.
* Do not use toilets or tap water if water supply lines or sewage pipes have been damaged.
ALSO READ: Ganga In Spate In Bihar: Highest Flood Level Breached In Patna; High Alert In 5 Districts
Whom To Contact And Where To Seek Help?
If you are stranded in floodwater or need to evacuate your home, use only safe boats operated by the administration or SDRF motorboats. Do not use small, unsafe boats or dinghies.
In an emergency, contact the Bihar Flood Helpline at 1070, the local Circle Officer (CO) or the block control room for assistance.
What To Do While Evacuating Your House?
* Move electrical appliances and furniture to higher levels, such as beds or tables, to protect them from rising water.
* Place sandbags inside toilet bowls and cover drain openings to prevent sewage from flowing back into the house.
* Switch off electricity and gas connections before leaving.
* Move to a higher location or an officially designated safe shelter.
* Carry your emergency kit, first-aid box, valuables and important documents with you.
* Never enter deep or unfamiliar floodwater. Use a stick to check the depth and identify hidden hazards.
* Return home only after authorities confirm that it is safe to do so.
* Create a family communication plan so everyone knows how to stay in touch during an emergency.
* Clean and disinfect all items and surfaces that have come into contact with floodwater.