2 Sep : Most of us are aware through media reports that Bihar state of India is facing worst tragedy as there is massive flood in North Bihar. Men, women and children, animals and villages are sinking in the flood waters.
According to the latest media reports the catastrophe has created massive loss of lives, displacement of millions of people, damage of millions of hectare of standing crops, acute scarcity of drinking water especially in submerged areas, total destruction of food stocks/houses, and much more. More and more gruesome stories are being reported in media everyday.. Considering the ferocity of the floods and damages caused thereof the Prime Minister of India has declared it as National Calamity. Some highlights of the devastation caused by national calamity are:
• The districts most affected are Supaul, Madhepura, Purnia, Khagaria, Araria, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Katihar, etc.
• Over 40 lakhs (4 million) people are affected and uprooted leaving their homes, property, animals, families, and everything in the districts of Supaul,
• Madhepura is most affected district where 11 out of 13 blocks including Madhepura town have submerged under 6-ft deep (Times of India, 31 August 2008).
• Government of Bihar is falling short of rescuing the people who are trapped amid excessive flood waters. The rescue and relief crews are not able to reach the people in far remote village.
• Roads, highways, rail tracks are all submerged and damaged. Therefore, the boats remain to be the only mean to rescue the people, but the Government has no adequate number of boats
• Those who have somehow saved their lives or been rescued are staying at nearest dry places: railway stations, school building, other such public places.
• They need immediate help in terms of food, temporary shelter, clothes, medicines, etc.
You can send your donations to:
The Chief Minister Relief Fund, Bihar
State Bank of India (Secretariat Branch, Patna) Account # 10839124928
You may also send your checks to:
The Chief Minister Secretariat
4 KG Deshratna Marg, Patna 800001, Bihar (India)
I have already contributed Rs 5000 to CM relilef fund. Presently engaged in free health checkup camp for the flood victims. It is time to contribute in whatever way we can.
With Regards,
Dr Diwakar Tejaswi
MBBS(Gold Medalist); MCH; FCCP; Ph.D.
Consultant Physician and Medical Director
Regional AIDS Training Centre and Network in India(RATNEI)
International Health Organization