Expedite relief measures in flood-hit areas: Katihar DM

KATIHAR: District magistrate (DM) Udayan Mishra through a videoconferencing reviewed the flood situation, relief and rescue work with the sub-divisional officer, circle officers, BDOs and medical officers undertaken in their respective areas in the district.
The DM also discussed about the upcoming panchayat elections, housing schemes for the landless, Covid-19 testing as well as vaccination.
“Six blocks of Katihar district have been badly affected by floods caused by the Ganga, Kosi, Kari Kosi and Barandi rivers. The district administration responded quickly and started distribution of dry ration packets and polythene sheets. Rising water-level has forced many families to migrate to higher embankments and pitch their tents. We have started community kitchens to feed the people who were forced to leave their homes,” the DM said adding, “Cattle camps as well as fodder for them were also arranged. Many temporary tubewells and toilets were also built to cater to the needy.”
“As on date, more than 225 community kitchens are functioning. With the water-level slowly receding, the focus has now shifted to disinfect the area which was under water and help the people shift to their homes,” the DM, said adding, “The kitchen will continue till all the people go back to their homes. We are hopeful that in a week the situation will improve.”
Besides, the district magistrate also directed the officials about financial assistance to flood-hit families, as well as functioning of community kitchens as per the standard operating procedures. He also asked the officials to expedite the process of providing financial assistance to the dependents of those who died of Covid-19. “Out of 230 Covid-related deaths, we have provided financial assistance to 103 dependents,” said Mishra.
Apart from this, the circle officers and BDOs were directed to gear up for the upcoming panchayat polls as well as upkeep of EVMs.