What Caused the Flood Crisis in Sahibganj and Landslide in Hazaribagh?
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Synopsis
As Jharkhand grapples with severe flooding in Sahibganj and a landslide in Hazaribagh, local authorities race against time to ensure the safety of residents. With schools closed and relief efforts in progress, the community's resilience is tested amidst nature's fury.
Key Takeaways
- Severe flooding in Sahibganj affecting 11 wards.
- Authorities have initiated evacuation protocols.
- Helpline numbers established for public assistance.
- Hazaribagh experiences a significant landslide.
- Experts call for long-term conservation measures.
Ranchi, Aug 11 (NationPress) The escalating waters of the Ganga have resulted in a severe flood situation in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, inundating significant portions of the district headquarters and prompting authorities to close all educational institutions on Monday and Tuesday.
As of 6 a.m. on Monday, the river's water level was recorded at 28.62 metres — exceeding the danger threshold of 27.25 metres by 1.37 metres — and is rapidly nearing the High Flood Level.
Numerous neighborhoods near the riverfront have been submerged, with floodwaters affecting 11 out of 28 municipal wards.
Officials estimate that approximately 1,500 homes have been affected, particularly in Ward No 13 (Habibpur) and Ward No. 22 (Chanan village), which have experienced the most severe impacts. Other affected wards include 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 17, 18, 23, and 24.
Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati has advised residents in the Diara area to evacuate to safer locations where food, water, and medical assistance are available.
Authorities have established helpline numbers — 9006963963, 9631155933, and 9065370630 — for residents in need of support.
Residents are cautioned to avoid riverbanks, steer clear of flood-prone areas, and keep essential items stored at higher elevations. Relief efforts are underway, including the distribution of cattle fodder to avert shortages in rural areas.
In Bharatiya Colony, floodwaters have reached waist height, leading many residents to seek refuge in AMK Badi Dharamshala. Education has been disrupted across multiple schools that are currently submerged.
In a separate incident on Monday, a significant landslide occurred at Babhanbai Hill, located about 3 km from Hazaribagh town. A substantial portion of the hill collapsed due to heavy rainfall, sending hundreds of tonnes of soil and rock cascading downwards. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The hill is situated just 500 metres from the densely populated Babhanbai village. Residents, unaccustomed to such occurrences in this plateau region, likened the event to landslides typically seen in the Himalayan states.
Experts attribute the landslide to years of stone mining previously allowed by the government, coupled with persistent rainfall, which may have destabilized the hill's soil.
The administration has restricted access to the area as a safety measure and has put the disaster management team on high alert.
Geologists have deemed this incident a warning, urging for long-term strategies to conserve hills to mitigate future risks.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the resilience of the people in Jharkhand amidst these natural disasters. The government's prompt response in providing aid and safety measures is commendable, but there is an urgent need for long-term solutions to prevent such crises in the future. Our nation stands united in support of those affected.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the floods in Sahibganj?
The floods in Sahibganj are primarily due to the rising waters of the Ganga, which have exceeded the danger level, leading to widespread inundation.
How many homes have been affected by the floods?
Approximately 1,500 homes have been submerged, with specific wards like Habibpur and Chanan village being the hardest hit.
What safety measures are being implemented?
Authorities have urged residents to evacuate to safer areas and have set up helpline numbers for assistance while relief efforts are underway.
What happened in Hazaribagh?
A significant landslide occurred at Babhanbai Hill, caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in a large portion of the hill collapsing without any reported casualties.
What long-term measures are being suggested?
Experts are calling for long-term conservation strategies for hills to prevent future landslides and flooding issues.
