Health department teams in Bihar are using boat ambulances to provide medical assistance and medicines to residents in flood-affected areas of Katihar as water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, Barandi and Kari Kosi rivers continue to rise.

With several parts of the district still inundated, health workers are travelling by boat to reach residents who have remained in their homes despite the flooding. The initiative aims to ensure that people in isolated and difficult-to-reach areas continue to receive timely medical care.

Over 8.8 Lakh People Affected

According to the district administration, approximately 8,80,140 people in Katihar have been affected by the floods so far. Several villages located along riverbanks remain submerged, with many homes reportedly surrounded or partially covered by floodwaters.

Officials said the situation has been particularly severe this year, creating challenges for residents and emergency response teams. While some people have moved to safer locations, many families continue to stay in their villages despite the difficult conditions.

The health department has therefore stepped up efforts to reach residents directly rather than relying solely on fixed medical facilities.

Medical Teams Visit Residents by Boat

Barari Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr Md Musharraf Hussain said villages located on the riverside of the embankment experience flooding every year. However, he noted that the intensity of flooding this year has been significantly higher.

“Many homes have been submerged,” Hussain said, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents in the affected villages.

Since a large number of people continue to live in the flood-hit areas, medical teams have arranged boat ambulances equipped with essential medicines. These teams travel to affected communities, check residents for health problems and provide medicines where required.

Skin Infections, Fever and Cough Reported

During their visits, health workers encountered several residents suffering from health problems linked to prolonged exposure to floodwater and damp conditions.

According to Hussain, residents reported complaints including itching, fungal infections, fever and cough. Medical teams distributed medicines to those requiring treatment and assessed residents for other health concerns.

The boat ambulance service is particularly important for people who are unable or unwilling to leave their homes. Flooded roads and submerged areas can make conventional transport difficult, leaving vulnerable residents with limited access to healthcare.

Regular Medical Visits Continue

Officials said boat ambulance visits are being conducted regularly across flood-affected parts of Katihar. The initiative is intended to maintain access to healthcare while floodwaters continue to disrupt normal movement and services.

Health teams are coordinating with the district administration and other departments to monitor the situation and respond to emerging medical needs.

Relief Operations Underway

The district administration said relief and monitoring operations remain ongoing as floodwaters continue to affect large areas of Katihar. Government teams are assessing conditions in affected villages and coordinating assistance for residents.

With thousands of families facing disruption, authorities are focusing on essential services, including healthcare, medicines and relief support. The continued deployment of boat ambulances is expected to help ensure that residents in remote and submerged areas are not left without medical attention during the ongoing flood situation.

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