Challenges faced by the people in Bihar floods – A Qualitative exploration using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to assess the impact of floods in any region, since knowledge of which could facilitate health and other sector planning during disasters. People in disaster areas face various challenges including disease outbreaks, inadequate sanitation, lack of essential services, displacement and so on. Objective: To assess the challenges faced by the people during disasters using Participatory Rural/Research Appraisal (PRA) tools in rural areas of districts of Bihar. Methodology: Study was conducted during the period of August-September 2017 among the people residing in villages in Bihar. Data was collected using Participatory research tools such as Focus Group Discussions (FGD), In Depth Interviews (IDI) and cause outcome analysis. Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs, eight IDIs and three cause outcome analyses were conducted. Challenges faced by the people in pre & post disaster phases include: Medical-Injuries, deaths/diseases especially among vulnerable population (pregnant & Children), Social- interruption of education, economic- loss of wages, less political support, psychological-depression and nutritional (deprivation).Outcomes of disaster found include loss of properties, livestock, occupation, food loss, diseases which indeed are challenges too. Conclusion: People in disaster settings face various challenges which include medical, emotional, social, psychological and so on. It is recommended that teams including Government and NGOs should conduct disaster services with broader scope of services beyond the routine care.

Keywords

• bihar floods india
• challenges
• pra tools