Flood Situation Remains Dire in Bihar; Locals in Muzaffarpur Displaced

 The flood situation in Muzaffarpur has worsened, prompting many residents to evacuate their waterlogged homes. The flooding has been exacerbated by heavy water discharge from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, triggered by relentless rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal. Water levels in several rivers have risen to dangerous levels across multiple bordering districts.

Relief Efforts and Government Response

In response to the crisis, the Congress State Office has distributed relief material to affected areas. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh has criticized the government for its handling of the situation, urging it to be more proactive in assisting flood victims. He questioned the efficacy of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating, “If he does not work even during a calamity, then what is he the chief minister for?”

Chief Minister Kumar has inspected flood-affected areas and monitored ongoing relief efforts, according to a statement from his office. The recent release of a massive volume of water from the Kosi and Gandak barrages has impacted northern Bihar and Nepal, leading to further flooding, particularly in Sitamarhi, where a breach in the Mandar dam occurred on September 29.

Community Support Initiatives

As rivers such as the Bagmati, Kamla Balan, and Adhwara Group swell, several villages have become submerged. On October 3, many residents in the Aurai block of Muzaffarpur were forced to leave their homes due to extensive flooding, with some erecting makeshift tents using tarpaulin sheets along the roadside for temporary shelter.

Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen indicated that the rise in water levels has been attributed to breaches in dams across Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts, assuring continuous monitoring of the situation. To support displaced individuals, community kitchens have been established in the most affected areas, particularly in the two hardest-hit districts.

While floodwaters have receded in some regions, including Supaul, Sitamarhi, and West Champaran, many residents continue to face challenges as recovery efforts proceed.