Severe flooding has hit Darbhanga district in Bihar, with more than 20 villages submerged following heavy rainfall in Nepal's Terai region and the subsequent discharge of water from the Kosi Barrage. The crisis, which has deepened over four days since the barrage release, has left thousands of residents stranded across the Kusheshwar Asthan East and Ghanshyampur blocks as of 18 July.

Scale of Inundation

The swollen Kosi and Kamala Balan rivers have pushed floodwaters into low-lying settlements at pace, cutting off six villages in Kusheshwar Asthan East block entirely from the mainland — effectively turning them into islands. The affected villages include Itahar, Chaukiya, Lakshminiya, Baltharwa, and Basbaria under Itahar Panchayat, and Bharain Tola in Sughrain Panchayat. Roads linking these villages to the block headquarters have been completely submerged, with boats now the only means of movement.

Residents Stranded, Private Boats Fill the Gap

With 13 boats currently deployed for rescue and supply runs, villagers say the number falls far short of what is needed. Residents of Golaima village allege that the administration has not deployed sufficient government-operated boats, forcing many to rely on private operators charging around ₹40 per person for a round trip. The disruption has made it extremely difficult for people to reach markets, access banking services, or transport patients to hospitals.

Schools Shut, Education Disrupted

The flood has also reached educational institutions. Floodwaters entered Lakshminiya Primary School, halting all teaching activities. At Itahar Pokhar Primary School, the campus is surrounded by water, making it unsafe for students and staff. Block Education Officer Prince Kumar said both schools will be closed as a precautionary measure if river levels continue to rise.

Administration Response

District Disaster Management Officer Pranav Raj said the situation, while serious, remains under control, with relief and rescue preparations completed. According to official figures, 186 government boats have been arranged, 512 locations identified for relief camps, and 611 community kitchens readied to provide food to displaced families if required.

District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar said all embankments are under round-the-clock monitoring and that arrangements for shelter and food are in place. 'As a precautionary measure, the administration has ordered the evacuation of nearly two dozen vulnerable villages,' he said. He added that embankments across five divisions are under continuous surveillance and that private boats have been permitted to ensure uninterrupted transport in low-lying Kusheshwar Asthan.

Broader Context

Bihar's Mithilanchal region faces annual flooding driven by rainfall and river discharge from Nepal, but this year's surge has been aggravated by unusually heavy precipitation in Nepal's Terai. The Kosi — historically called 'Bihar's sorrow' — has a long record of catastrophic floods in the state, and the current episode follows a pattern where upstream discharge decisions have downstream consequences for millions. With the monsoon still at its peak, authorities are watching river levels closely for any further deterioration.