Disaster risk initiatives help save lives in Bihar floods

Monsoon season this year has once again proved deadly for India and caused widespread devastation. Heavy rains and subsequent flooding claimed over 3,000 lives, with nearly one-third of those in the state of Bihar. While these numbers are stark, they might have been worse if not for the early preparedness and mitigation efforts spearheaded by the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) in Bihar, which helped save hundreds of lives during the current flood fury.

Seasonal flooding from the monsoon is now an annual phenomenon in Bihar predominantly due to the River Ganges and its tributaries overflowing their banks. Every year, 12 million IRCS members and volunteers in 700 state and district branches effectively respond to natural disasters such as floods.

To help communities prepare before disaster strikes, the IRCS Bihar branch implemented a disaster risk reduction (DRR) programme supported by the Department for International Development. Fifteen of the most vulnerable communities identified in eight districts including Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Khagaria, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Nalanda, Aurangabad and Nawada benefited from the programme.

The Bihar DRR programme sponsored the construction of a relief warehouse, a large raised platform and 20 raised tube wells. This was in addition to the 100 tube wells already installed as part of the 2004 flood mitigation programme.

Raised platforms and raised tube wells once again helped in reducing deaths during the floods.

“In Muzaffarpur, one thousand families took shelter on the Red Cross raised platform,” said Vadana, the disaster preparedness supervisor at the IRCS Bihar state branch. “Villagers in affected communities really appreciated the utility of the raised tube wells during the floods. Because of their special construction, people were able to get fresh drinking water out of these wells and keep their loved ones safe and healthy. Trained Red Cross volunteers also played a crucial role during the floods by teaching families basic health tips.”

The utility and usefulness of these live-saving structures are so appreciated by the state administration that it has ordered the district authority to build similar structures in adjoining districts and villages.

“The Bihar Red Cross branch was able to successfully scale up its disaster risk reduction initiatives thanks to its committed work force and volunteers,” explained Mr. S. P. Singh, Honorary Secretary of the Bihar state branch. “Our community-based approach is sustainable over the long run because it gives a sense of ownership to the community members. The branch has formed a pool of local trainers who focus primarily on disaster management concepts such as community-based preparedness and risk reduction activities.”

More than 160 volunteers took part in the disaster preparedness trainings in first aid and public health awareness. These volunteers have been instrumental in providing useful tips to the villagers and helped in preventing water-borne diseases. Local innovations like using empty bottles as life jackets proved effective as many people were rescued from drowning.

Anil, a search and rescue team member from the Muzaffarpur Red Cross district branch has saved 250 lives by ferrying people safety out of the flooded areas.
“I have seen that Red Cross brings hope in the eyes of the people who are affected during the floods,” Anil reflected. “Whenever I am able to wipe someone's tears, I feel good. I like it and that's why I am continuing to work with Red Cross.”

“I was trapped on the roof of the school for two days,” recounts survivor Ram Prasad, a 40-year-old security guard who found himself stranded. “I had nothing to eat, nowhere to go and I was separated from my family.” Prasad’s wife anxiously approached Red Cross volunteers during the relief distribution after searching for him with no results. She urged the Red Cross to find her husband. Happily, the Red Cross search and rescue team saved him and reunited Prasad with his family.

With a greater level of awareness on how to reduce risk and develop coping strategies, the communities in Bihar are taking a more proactive role in their own risk management activities and programmes. The sustained efforts of the Red Cross are gradually bearing results and helping to reduce deaths due to natural hazards.