A 58-year-old man died after being struck by an aid package dropped from a helicopter to help flood victims in northwestern India. The incident occurred on Friday in Saran district, Bihar, which has been overwhelmed by flooding from the Gandak River.
The victim was identified as Anil Kumar Singh, a hawker and father. His son, Avinash, told The Hindu: “The helicopter was dropping the relief materials in bulk, and one of the packets hit my father’s head, and another hit his chest, and he died on the spot.”
Second incident in same village
The accident reportedly happened near an aid camp in Parshurampur village. The exact cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed.
Another incident is said to have occurred in the same village, involving a woman standing on the roof of her home with her two children. She and her children were allegedly injured when the helicopter flew low and close to the house, causing a strong blow of air. A piece of tin debris injured the mother in the leg, while the two children were also hurt. The trio were taken to the hospital, according to the Times of India.
Government response and aid efforts
Non-stop rain has caused rivers linked to the Nepal catchment area to burst their banks, including the Gandak, a 505-mile river running through parts of the Himalayas. Villages have been cut off after roads became submerged, prompting the government to dispatch helicopters from the Indian Air Force.
An official said: “So far, over 28 tonnes of food supplies—comprising more than 5,600 dry ration packets—have been airdropped across 15 sorties by Indian Air Force helicopters in the flood-affected regions of Saran district.
“This airdropping method ensures that essential food reaches affected families, providing timely relief even when normal transportation routes are disrupted by the floods.”
