Khagaria, Sep 14: Two brothers aged between 14 and 16 years drowned while bathing in floodwaters in Bihar’s Khagaria district on Monday, officials said.
The incident took place near Bandhkatta in Bharso panchayat under Parbatta block. The deceased were identified as Govind Kumar and Jai Kumar, residents of Telia Bathan village.
According to eyewitnesses, Govind suddenly began drowning while the brothers were bathing in the floodwaters. Jai jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue his brother, but both were caught in a strong current and drowned.
Confirming the incident, Gogri SDO Sanjay Kumar said, “Two kids have died in the incident, which is extremely tragic. The threat of floods has not completely subsided.”
The official warned residents against allowing children to bathe in floodwaters, saying water was still present in several parts of the district and deep pits and strong currents posed serious risks.
The district administration has been making continuous public announcements in flood-affected panchayats to alert residents about the dangers.
Boats, divers and Aapda Mitra volunteers have also been deployed at ghats and other vulnerable locations as part of the precautionary measures.
The administration is also taking steps to provide the families of the deceased with disaster ex-gratia assistance within 24 hours, as per government provisions, Kumar said.
“Action is being taken to provide the families of the deceased children the disaster ex gratia assistance within 24 hours, as per government provisions,” the SDO said.
