PATNA: A viral video from flood-hit Samastipur has raised questions over the manner in which relief material was being distributed, with concerns emerging over the safety of villagers during the exercise.The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, shows men on a boat throwing sacks containing relief material towards villagers standing in waist-deep floodwater. A large number of people can be seen wading through the water and pushing against one another while trying to collect the supplies.The visuals have raised concerns over whether adequate safety precautions were followed while carrying out relief work in the flood-affected area. The district administration has taken note of the video and ordered an inquiry into the incident.ADM (Disaster Management), Samastipur, Rajesh Kumar Singh said the administration received the video on Tuesday and immediately directed officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the distribution of relief material. He said the distribution work was not being done by the govt.“The administration has strictly instructed that no relief material should be distributed or any relief work undertaken without prior permission. Keeping in mind law and order as well as the safety of people, permission has to be taken before undertaking any relief activity,” Singh said.He said the administration was concerned about the safety of flood-affected people and would not compromise on it. “Appropriate action will be taken after the inquiry,” he added.The administration’s directions come amid ongoing relief operations in flood-affected areas, where several villages have been facing inundation and residents are dependent on government and voluntary agencies for essential supplies.
