What is the Impact of the Flood on Bihar?
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Synopsis
As the floodwaters from the Ganga rise, Bihar faces a humanitarian crisis with families torn apart and lives disrupted. This article dives into the personal stories of those affected, revealing the deeper social implications of this natural disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar is experiencing severe flooding from the rising Ganga.
- Families are facing social crises as homes are lost.
- Teachers and BLOs are risking their lives to perform essential duties.
- Local leaders demand a rehabilitation scheme for affected areas.
- The situation is being described as a humanitarian crisis.
Patna, July 22 (NationPress) As floodwaters from the Ganga continue to swell across Bihar, numerous villages are being swept away, families are being torn apart, and life has ground to a halt for thousands.
In the village of Masadhun, located in Bhagalpur, the floods have triggered a serious social crisis. With many homes engulfed by the Ganga, young men are left unmarried, and families are experiencing disintegration.
Local resident Rakesh Mandal shared his story: “My brother Prashant’s wife abandoned him and their four-year-old daughter after our house was swept away. Now, the child is being raised by her grandmother while Prashant toils at a brick kiln to provide for the family.”
Saroj Devi recounted how they had painstakingly constructed a modest two-room home after years of hard work in the kilns, only to witness it disappear in the floods. Now that her son is of marriageable age, she lamented: “Who will marry him when we don’t even have a home for the bride to come to?”
Mamlakha Panchayat Mukhiya Abhishek Mandal termed it a “social emergency,” calling for a dedicated rehabilitation scheme for these flood-affected villages to restore dignity and stability to the displaced families.
Despite anti-erosion measures taken following last year’s issues, many displaced families have yet to receive the compensation promised by the government, forcing them to live in makeshift shelters with no land to rebuild.
As floodwaters continue to rise in Danapur and other Diara regions of Patna and Saran, BLOs and teachers are risking their lives to carry out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
Mahendra Pratap Sinha, a BLO and teacher, described the perilous situation: “The roads and bridges have become submerged. The boat sways dangerously in the strong currents, but we have no option.”
Danapur Circle Officer Chandan Kumar confirmed that 50 BLOs are working daily in the Diara area, crossing the Ganga by boat.
“Amid the escalating water levels, BLOs are committed to completing the revision work as per government directives. Their dedication is commendable. The district administration is providing life jackets to each of the BLOs,” Kumar stated.
In Munger, the Ganga has reached 38.49 meters, just a meter below the danger mark, inundating low-lying areas in Bariyarpur and threatening connectivity to villages like Raghunathpur and Ekaashi Tola.
In Khagaria, floodwaters have flooded various villages and schools, ceasing classes for students.
Despite this, teachers are still required to report to these inundated schools, risking their lives by navigating boats.
Teacher Madhukar Kumar, who is disabled, voiced his fears: “If the boat capsizes, I won’t survive.”
Teacher Rajesh Kumar added, “Previously, schools would remain closed during floods, and we would make up for lost time by teaching during summer vacation. That approach made more sense.”
Following rising concerns, District Education Officer Amarendra Kumar Gond has instructed block officers to assign teachers from flood-affected schools to safer locations, but many teachers continue to brave floodwaters daily.
In Patna’s Diara region, the Ganga’s water level has exceeded the danger mark, submerging low-lying areas and roads, forcing residents to rely on boats while fearing further escalation.
At Digha Ghat, the Ganga is 13 cm above the danger mark, while at Gandhi Ghat, it is 53 cm above, leading to rapid flooding across Diara, Maner, Danapur, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, and Daniyawan.
While the floods in Bihar are not a new phenomenon, the human suffering they inflict is intensifying, with homes lost, marriages on hold, and lives endangered daily.
Families are awaiting government rehabilitation and compensation, while teachers and BLOs persist in their duties amidst the rising waters.
“This is not merely a flood problem; it is a humanitarian crisis,” a local leader stressed.
Point of View
We stand by the people of Bihar in this challenging time. The devastation caused by the floods is not merely a local issue, but a national concern that requires immediate attention and action. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures we highlight the voices of those most impacted and advocate for solutions to prevent future crises.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas in Bihar are most affected by the floods?
The floodwaters have severely impacted regions including Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, and Khagaria, with many villages submerged.
How are local authorities responding to the flood crisis?
Local authorities are working to provide support and safety measures for those affected, including life jackets for workers conducting essential tasks.
What challenges do teachers face during this flood?
Teachers are risking their lives to reach schools in flooded areas, navigating boats to fulfill their responsibilities despite the dangers.
What long-term solutions are proposed for flood-affected areas?
Local leaders are calling for special rehabilitation schemes to restore homes and stability to families affected by the floods.
How can the public assist those affected by the floods?
The public can contribute by donating to relief funds and supporting local organizations assisting families in need.
