In a tragic incident in Bihar’s Saran district, a resident succumbed to injuries while attempting to collect relief supplies air-dropped by helicopter on Friday, according to local police reports.
Witnesses from Parshurampur village offered differing accounts regarding the man’s demise; some claimed he was struck by falling aid, while others suggested he suffered a heart attack. Authorities indicated that the precise cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination.
In addition to the unfortunate death, another individual sustained injuries when debris from a nearby structure was dislodged by the helicopter’s downdraft. The deceased has been identified as Anil Kumar Singh, commonly referred to as Appu Singh. A significant number of villagers in the region have been affected by flooding from the Gandak River, prompting the aerial delivery of dry rations to assist them, officials noted.
Amnour Station House Officer (SHO) Vimlesh Kumar confirmed the incident to The Indian Express, stating that one individual had died and another was injured. The circumstances surrounding Singh’s death remain unclear, as local residents have provided conflicting narratives about whether he was hit by relief materials or suffered a heart attack. “The deceased’s body showed no external signs of injury,” Kumar mentioned, adding that the body has been sent for autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
Kumar further explained that the helicopter was flying at a low altitude, which caused nearby tin sheds and structures to be displaced. “One person was injured by the debris and received initial treatment at a nearby relief camp before being transferred to Amnour Hospital. Fortunately, the injuries were not serious,” he reported.
This incident occurred amidst intensified relief efforts in response to the widespread flooding affecting the district. Reports indicate that approximately 170 villages across 33 panchayats and seven blocks have been impacted, affecting around 332,000 individuals and over 75,000 families. Thus far, authorities have relocated 43,400 people to safer areas.
Fourteen relief centers are currently accommodating about 40,000 individuals, while 46 community kitchens have provided meals for over 50,550 people. Additionally, approximately 2,540 boats are operating in the affected regions, and 2,650 food and dry ration packets have been distributed. Health services are also being administered through 20 medical camps and five mobile health teams, with eight veterinary camps tending to around 370 animals.
The administration has also reported the distribution of 153.5 quintals of animal feed. A total of 48 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in rescue operations, with 11 more teams expected to arrive soon.
In response to the Gandak flash flood, the Water Resources Department has increased night patrols of affected embankments and heightened surveillance for seepage and erosion. Officials have been directed to enhance flood-fighting measures at vulnerable sites, including Revaghat.
The air-drop operation commenced the previous day, following directives from Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, after the Saran administration requested additional ration supplies. A helicopter was dispatched from Gorakhpur to facilitate the delivery of these essentials to flood-affected areas.
Himanshu Harsh, a correspondent for The Indian Express, is providing comprehensive on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a background in reporting from the National Capital Region (NCR), he focuses on the vital intersections of law, crime, and civic governance.
Himanshu is an alumnus of the esteemed Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi, which has equipped him with a solid academic foundation for his investigative journalism. His reporting style is characterized by a grassroots approach, as demonstrated during his in-depth coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, analyzing the evolving political landscape and public sentiment.
His expertise spans various domains, including:
- Civic & Legal Affairs: In-depth experience covering policy implementation and judicial impacts in the Delhi region.
- Automotive Industry: Technical reporting on the developments in India’s transport and automotive sectors.
- Social Fabric & Human Interest: Investigating the changing social dynamics in both urban and rural India, providing a human-centric view of systemic issues.
Outside of journalism, Himanshu is deeply engaged with technology and gaming, which informs his understanding of digital trends and the contemporary information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse interests provide a well-rounded perspective that resonates across traditional and digital media platforms.
