Bihar Floods: Kosi River Breaches, Affecting Over 16 Lakh People
The state of Bihar is currently grappling with devastating floods as rivers like Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, and Kamla overflow, affecting 13 districts.
Triggered by heavy rainfall in Nepal and subsequent water release, the flooding has submerged competing regions, including Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Bagaha, Bettiah, Motihari, Sheohar, Madhepura, and Supaul (Bihar Floods Wreak Havoc as Kosi River Breaches, Affecting Over 16 Lakh People).
Over 16 lakh people have been directly impacted, with homes, schools, and government buildings submerged in water.
Widespread Damage Across Northern Bihar
The Kosi River’s embankment near Jamalpur has collapsed, causing a rapid rise in water levels in Darbhanga and nearby areas. Reports from on-ground correspondents indicate that entire villages have been swamp, leaving thousands homeless.
Many people have taken refuge on highways and higher ground as floodwaters engulf their homes and farmlands. The destruction has worsened the situation, spreading floodwaters to new areas, particularly in districts like Darbhanga.
Despite the state government’s assurances that they were safe, several have broken in the past 24 hours. Relief efforts have been slow, affecting people they complain about lack of food and drinking water.
The government has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, but many locals claim they have yet to receive significant assistance.
Hope Amid the Crisis:
As the situation worsens, some relief has been reported from areas like Valmiki Nagar Barrage, where the rainfall in Nepal has reduced, causing water levels to recede slightly.
However, with rivers still in spate and many regions underwater, the immediate future remains grim for the flood-ravaged districts of Bihar. The people continue to wait for effective government intervention and support in this crisis.
