PATNA, May 21 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday asked government officials, department heads and district magistrates to remain alert for potential risks of droughts and floods as the state, like all of north India, is experiencing scorching heat and is also prone to heavy rains in coming weeks.

He was holding a meeting to review flood and potential drought preparations with ministers and officials at the CM Secretariat.

The CM urged all officials of concerned departments not to let a natural calamity turn into a full-blown disaster. He directed them to extend their full cooperation to the public during times of crisis, assuring them that the government stands firmly with the people.

He asserted that the victims of a...