The rapid rise in the water level of the Kosi River in Bihar has resulted in floodwaters entering homes in several villages in the Saharsa district, crippling the normal life of people.
According to local administration reports, incessant rain in northern Bihar and Nepal has increased the water level in the Kosi River, leading to flood situations in many villages.
The Kosi River, also known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar,’ floods the state every year during the monsoon season.
To assess the situation in Saharsa villages, a team from India Today visited the area and spoke with locals.
In Asai village, the India Today team observed people using boats to navigate through floodwater ranging from four feet deep to knee-deep. Local residents informed India Today that their homes have been inundated.
They criticised the administration for allegedly failing to provide assistance.
“No government boats have been provided, so we are relying on private boats. The administration has also not arranged for food and drinking water,” said Prashant Yadav, a local resident.
“No one is here to take care of us. Water has entered our homes in the last 24 hours, but we have not received any help from the administration,” added Prashant Yadav.
Another resident, Mithilesh Ram, stated, “Water has entered our homes, causing many problems. The administration has yet to make any arrangements for food and drinking water.”
The deluge due to the Kosi River breach has also impacted livestock in the area. Locals reported taking boats to higher places to retrieve stored fodder and feed their livestock to protect them from the water.
Heavy rainfall has caused many rivers in various Bihar districts to reach their danger levels. Apart from the Kosi River, rivers like Mahananda, Bagmati, Kamla, and Gandak have also exceeded their danger levels, according to a bulletin from the Water Resources Department reported by news agency PTI.
The Kosi and Lal Bakeya Rivers have already reached warning levels in Khagaria, Beldaur, Sitamarhi, and neighbouring areas, the bulletin further stated.