Authorities Under Scrutiny After Video Shows Relief Packages Thrown From Boat

A viral video from Samastipur district shows relief bundles being hurled from a small boat into a crowd standing in floodwater. The footage, taken in Haradaspur village of Mohanpur block, has ignited criticism of the district's relief strategy.

The video captures men, women and children wading through waist‑deep water, trying to catch the packages before they sink. Some observers describe the scene as a "loot‑like" scramble, with individuals pushing others to secure the aid.

Reports indicate that the Ganga overflow affected over 2 lakh residents across Mohanpur and nearby Mohiuddin Nagar blocks. Approximately 6,000 people are currently stranded on islands formed by the receding waters, relying on makeshift boats for movement.

District Magistrate Roshan Kushwaha had earlier inspected the flood‑hit areas, issuing orders for health camps and additional rescue teams. However, the lack of a controlled distribution channel in the video suggests a gap between policy and practice.

The incident is prompting calls for a transparent, safety‑first approach to aid delivery, with NGOs and local leaders urging the administration to adopt more structured methods in future relief operations.