Bihar Floods Displace Over 34 Lakh as Ganga Surges Beyond Danger Level

More than 34 lakh individuals are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding across 13 districts in Bihar, exacerbated by the Ganga River surpassing its danger threshold in two locations early Tuesday morning. Tragically, the floods have also claimed at least 20 lives as of Monday, prompting the state government to announce a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who perished.

According to the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre, the state has experienced an unusual rainfall of 79.6 mm in September, marking a 31% increase over the normal levels for this time of year. As floodwaters continue to rise, areas such as Katihar have witnessed extensive flooding conditions due to the swelling of not just the Ganga, but also the Kosi and Barandi rivers, leading to the inundation of entire villages.

In a distressing incident, a boat carrying ten individuals capsized in Kharik Raghopur, situated in Bhagalpur district. Fortunately, the State Disaster Relief Force was able to conduct a successful rescue operation, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. The relentless floods have created an urgent need for rescue and relief operations, as many local residents continue to face dire situations.

Bihar’s Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has been proactive in addressing the crisis, visiting flood-hit regions and community kitchens in Vaishali and Saran to assess the damage and provide support to the affected communities. Meanwhile, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the floods a “national disaster,” urging the central government to allot Rs 5,000 crore in immediate aid to tackle the escalating situation.

The floods are not just a natural calamity; they are a stark reminder of the challenges that Bihar faces with each monsoon season. Local authorities are on high alert, working tirelessly to manage rescue efforts and provide shelter and essentials to those displaced by the floods. As the water levels remain precarious, the situation continues to demand urgent attention and action to prevent further loss of life and property.

Source: scroll.in