How is the Flood Situation Affecting Bihar's Muzaffarpur and Saran?

Patna, Aug 6 (NationPress) The flooding crisis in Muzaffarpur and Saran districts of Bihar has escalated alarmingly, as rivers overflow their banks, inundating villages and severing critical road connections, leaving thousands in turmoil.

In the Aurai block of Muzaffarpur, the Bagmati River's water level has surged by over three feet, instigating widespread fear among residents.

On Tuesday, the Chachari bridge in Babhangama East Tola was completely swept away by the force of the rising river. This bridge served as the sole route for several nearby villages.

The flood threat is particularly acute in the Atrar region, where a southern tributary has surpassed the main flow of the Bagmati, raising significant concerns.

While the water level at Kataunjha is currently below the danger threshold, officials caution that conditions could rapidly deteriorate.

In the Benibad region, increasing water levels have ignited fears of embankment collapse. Under the supervision of Executive Engineer Om Prakash, a rapid response team has started to monitor the situation. The Water Resources Department is actively identifying vulnerable areas for immediate repairs to avert potential breaches.

Flooding has also impacted Katra block, where the approach to the Pipa bridge near Bakuchi village has been submerged, disrupting traffic for over three hours.

Although pedestrian and two-wheeler movement has resumed following repairs, four-wheeler access remains restricted, leading to a loss of connectivity for approximately 14 northern panchayats with the block headquarters.

According to Block Circle Officer Madhumita Kumari, relief and rescue teams are on alert, and the administration is planning potential displacement zones.

With transportation severely hampered, demand for boats has surged in rural markets. Farmers, daily wage laborers, and livestock owners are seeking small boats, while larger vessels are scarce and priced between Rs 40,000 - Rs 50,000.

In many areas, villagers are collaborating to collectively purchase boats as a vital survival measure.

In Saran, the flood crisis is intensifying due to rising water levels in the Ganga, Saryu, and Son Rivers, which are currently above the danger mark from Chhapra to Sonpur.

Numerous villages across three panchayats in the Diara area of the Sadar block have been submerged, resembling islands.

Villages such as Raipur Bindgaon, Kotwapatti Rampur, Qutubpur, Sabalpur, and Mahaji in the Barhara Mahaji Panchayat, along with Pipra Tola, East Baluan, West Baluan, and Kanshadiyar in Musepur Panchayat, are entirely surrounded by water.

Connectivity to the Ara-Chhapra bridge has been severed.

Floodwaters have also penetrated Dalit-Mahadalit communities in Chirand, with numerous homes in Dumri village submerged.

Residents are wading through 4-5 feet of water to access main roads, severely disrupting their ability to reach schools, hospitals, and markets.

Individuals in the affected regions are urgently calling for immediate measures, including rescue operations, food and medical assistance, and alternative transport routes. With no indication of water levels decreasing soon and daily life brought to a standstill, public dissatisfaction is growing regarding the administration's slow response. Authorities have stated they are closely monitoring the situation, yet locals demand more visible and prompt action.