Bihar flood victims find AIR big help in tracing dear ones

New Delhi, Sep 20 (UNI) The All India Radio (AIR) is playing a vital role in helping the Bihar flood victims through its helpline and by broadcasting messages aimed at missing persons.

These messages received through SMS on AIR helpline number 09971247247 are automatically transferred to a data base and uploaded on a central server at Delhi created by IT division of AIR.

The frontline stations of Bihar like AIR Darbhanga, AIR Bhagalpur,AIR Patna and AIR Purnea access these messages and within no time they are on air, reaching every nook and corner of the state.

Announcements like ''Akashvani stands with you during this testing time and will spread your message throughout the State. We are sure with our efforts, your prayers and blessings of the Almighty, your families will be re-united'' are also aired frequently.

Scenes of several people surrounding a radio set and listening curiously, awaiting the news of their dear ones is common across the relief camps, in marooned villages and temporary hutments lining on both sides of the roads.

Apart from these announcements, AIR Darbhanga and Purnea have started dedicated phone-in programmes for the flood victims. The phones keep on ringing and messages keep on pouring.

A team from AIR Directorate was dispatched to Bihar on September 8 to address the post flood distress of the Kosi victims.

This team travelled extensively deep into the flood-affected areas and mega relief camps. There was heart touching moments at every spot.

People in groups with their invaluable radio close to the heart gathered around the team and poured out their despair as if they have found most trusted relative for years.

Akashvani visited them for the first time after the catastrophe. The staff of local AIR stations worked relentlessly with a great sense of responsibility and dedication, the AIR media department said here.

UNI NAZ ATI RK0916