Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of Six Children in Bihar Floods
Drowning Incident in Bhagalpur
Photo: IANS
Bhagalpur (Bihar), Sep 21: Tragically, six children lost their lives after drowning while bathing in floodwaters in the Sultanaganj block of Bhagalpur district, as reported by officials on Monday.
The unfortunate event took place near a gas warehouse adjacent to Tareta village, located within the Bhirkhurd panchayat.
Local residents indicated that the children ventured into the floodwaters, where they lost their footing and subsequently drowned. A search operation was initiated by the residents, who also alerted the Sultanaganj police and the Circle Officer.
All six bodies were later retrieved and transported to Sultanaganj Hospital. Plans were underway to send the bodies to Bhagalpur for post-mortem examinations. The children were reportedly from Dudhailla village.
A family member of one of the deceased shared, "The children had gone to gather flowers for a puja. They were unaware of the water's depth. In an attempt to hold onto each other, they all fell in."
Another relative recounted, “They left home around 9 a.m., mentioning their plans. They even asked me for two rupees, which I gave them. Three girls went together.”
This incident occurs amidst ongoing flooding in various districts of Bihar, with water levels in the Ganga and other rivers continuing to rise.
As per reports from the state Disaster Management Department, approximately 40.72 lakh individuals across 676 gram panchayats in 88 blocks of 16 districts have been affected as of September 20.
The state government is actively conducting relief and rescue operations in the impacted regions. Community kitchens are being set up in multiple locations to provide meals for displaced individuals.
On September 19, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary contributed one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid families impacted by the floods.
Numerous political figures have also pledged financial support for flood relief efforts. BJP President Nitin Nabin donated three months’ salary to the relief fund. Choudhary expressed gratitude to NDA leaders, MLAs, MPs, and ministers who have also contributed their salaries.
The BJP state President presented Rs 51 lakh on behalf of the party to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Various organizations have also provided financial assistance.
In a related development, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called on both the Centre and the Bihar government to offer immediate financial aid of Rs 15,000 to farmers affected by floods and drought, and to declare the situation in the state a national disaster.