 |
|
The devastating impact of the swollen Ganga river on Bihar is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. The river, flowing above the danger mark, has claimed at least 10 houses in Mamalkha village, displacing thousands and affecting over 13.5 lakh people in 12 districts. Shocking videos captured by residents show the sheer force of the water, with houses collapsing into the river in a matter of seconds. One video depicts a two-storey house gradually tilting and sinking, while others show smaller structures breaking apart and disappearing beneath the surging waters.
The speed and ferocity of the flooding are evident in the short duration of the videos, highlighting the immediate threat posed by the rising waters. The plight of the villagers, many of whom have been forced to evacuate to camps, underscores the urgency of the situation. The scale of the flooding, impacting 12 districts along the Ganga, emphasizes the widespread nature of the crisis. The Bihar District Management Department has confirmed the affected districts, including Patna, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Katihar, Khagaria, and Munger, revealing the extensive geographical impact of the disaster.
The response to the flood crisis has been immediate, with the Bihar government taking swift action to assess the situation and provide relief to affected communities. Bihar Additional Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit convened a meeting with officials from the affected districts to coordinate efforts and ensure preparedness in case the water level rises further. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas to gain firsthand understanding of the scale of the devastation. These measures demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the emergency and supporting the displaced population. However, the long-term consequences of the floods, including damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and the environment, require comprehensive and sustained efforts from the government and humanitarian organizations to ensure a lasting solution.