Patna, Bihar: The Bihar State Disaster Management Department has disbursed ₹680.17 crore in relief to 9.71 lakh flood-affected families during the financial year 2025-26, providing ₹7,000 per family. The announcement was made by Joint Secretary Mohammad Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui, who highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster response and preparedness in the state.
Increased Financial Assistance to Families
Earlier, affected families received ₹6,000 per household, but the amount has now been raised by ₹1,000 to provide better support for flood victims. The relief covers immediate needs such as damaged homes, livestock support, and agricultural inputs, ensuring faster recovery for affected communities.
- Damaged homes & livestock repair: ₹44.84 crore
- Agricultural inputs: ₹12.70 crore
- Additional relief grants: ₹9.20 crore
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Disaster Management Initiatives and Safety Campaigns
The department is undertaking several key disaster management measures, including a major campaign aimed at reducing drowning incidents by 50% between 2025 and 2030. Children aged 6–10 years and adolescents aged 11–18 years are being provided safe swimming training to enhance survival skills in flood-prone areas.
Chief Minister’s School Safety Program
In collaboration with the Education Department, the Chief Minister’s School Safety Program is being implemented across schools in Bihar. The program focuses on:
- Teaching children and parents to identify disaster risks
- Promoting preventive and protective measures
- Strengthening a culture of disaster safety in schools
So far, over 8,000 teachers have been trained under this initiative in the current year.
Emergency Response Centers Across Districts
To ensure rapid relief and rescue operations, the department is establishing Emergency Response Facility-Cum-Training Centers (ERF-TC) in all districts.
- 18 centers identified, 17 completed
- Construction in Patna ongoing
- Remaining 20 districts will have centers operational soon
These centers will help provide timely assistance and disaster preparedness training to district-level officials and communities.
Read also: Bihar Secures Over $1 Billion Investment from ADB for Infrastructure, Industry, and Social Reforms
