Flood disaster continues in Bihar, more than 29 lakh population affected in 77 blocks of 13 districts

Patna: (ABN) The flood situation in Bihar continues to be serious. Several major rivers, including the Ganges, are flowing above the danger mark and floodwaters are rapidly inundating new areas. More than 29.13 lakh population of 438 panchayats in 77 blocks of 13 districts have been affected by floods. Normal life is badly affected as roads, communication routes, fields and residential areas are inundated at several places. According to the report, the situation in Ganga is the most alarming. With the water level at Patna's Gandhi Ghat rising above the danger mark, the previous record of highest level has also been affected. The water of Ganga has reached dangerous level at several places including Bhagalpur, Mangir, Kahal village and Sultanganj. On the other hand, several rivers including Gandak, Kosi, Gudi Gandak, Pon Pon and Ghaghra are also flowing above the danger mark at various places. As a result, the large population living in riverine and low-lying areas is facing severe hardships.
The flood situation in Bhagalpur district is very alarming. Vehicular movement between Bhagalpur-Sultanganj has been affected due to water logging on NH-80. In many areas, flood water has reached houses and roads, while people have to resort to boats to move from one place to another. The rapid inflow of water in the riverine areas of the district has also increased the challenge for the administration. Rescue and rescue teams have been alerted at sensitive locations.
The floods have also badly affected the rural areas of the capital Patna. 44 panchayats of 11 blocks of the district are surrounded by floods after the rise in the water of Ganga, Pon Pon and other rivers. Traffic has been affected due to waterlogging on the roads at many places and people are having to use boats for essential work. In the low-lying areas of Patna, the administration is keeping constant vigil while efforts are being made to deliver food, clean drinking water, medicines and other essential items to the affected people.
Due to the continuous expansion of the flood zone, the rural population has been the most affected in several districts. Land connectivity of many villages to district and block headquarters has been affected. Flooding in fields has also increased the risk of crop damage. Boats are being used to evacuate people to safer places in the affected areas. The administration has deployed rescue teams in sensitive areas so that rescue operations can be started immediately in case of rising water.
Relief activities through community kitchens, relief camps, medical camps and boats are ongoing for the flood victims by the state government. NDRF and SDRF teams are also deployed in the affected areas. According to official data, hundreds of boats are being used for transporting people, delivering aid and evacuation if necessary. Medical camps and boat ambulances are also being operated to provide medical facilities to provide immediate medical assistance to patients in flooded areas. According to the authorities, the level of the Ganga remains alarming at many places. Along with the Ganges in Patna, the Pon Pon and Dardha rivers also add to the difficulties of administration. However, in the latest update, there have been signs of slight decrease in Ganga water at some places. Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has expressed hope that the situation will return to normal in the coming days, but has asked to maintain vigilance in sensitive areas.
The district administration has been instructed by the government to continuously monitor the embankments, repair the weak spots immediately, shift the affected people to safe places and ensure the availability of food and medicine. The government says that no negligence will be tolerated in providing aid to the victims.