At least 14 people have died after a boat capsized in the Ganga near Rampur Shyamchand village in Bihar’s Vaishali district on October 13. Most of the victims were children, according to media reports. The passengers were reportedly returning from a feast when the accident occurred. The exact cause of the capsize has not yet been officially established.
Rescue teams and local officials were involved in the search and rescue operation. Reports on the number of deaths and survivors have varied, so the latest figures should be confirmed with the Vaishali district administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured person. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced ₹4 lakh for the family of each deceased person.
Five essential boat-safety rules
- Never allow more passengers than the boat’s permitted capacity.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket throughout the journey.
- Keep children seated safely, away from the boat’s edges.
- Avoid unlit boats and travelling in poor visibility.
- Board and disembark only at authorised ghats, following police instructions.
These basic precautions can help reduce risks during crowded festival days.
