Muzaffarpur: Heavy rain in Nepal has caused the Bagmati river in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district to overflow, leaving thousands of people stranded. On Saturday, the river was flowing 30 cm above the danger level at Katauja and the water level is still rising. Villagers said if it continues, floodwater will spread into the fields by night.
People in around a dozen villages are now using boats to travel. Some families have started moving with their cattle to higher places as a precaution. Many villagers are spending sleepless nights, watching the water level. Flooding has also been reported along the southern embankment, while water near the northern embankment is rising steadily.
In Bakuchi, the approach road to the pontoon bridge on the Bagmati was submerged after the river rose by more than two feet. Traffic was blocked for two hours, leading to long queues on both sides. Although repairs were carried out and the bridge reopened, cars and other four-wheelers are still not allowed to cross.
The floods have disrupted life in 14 panchayats, including Yajuar, Lakhanpur, Nagwara, Basghata and Tehwara. Lakhs of people have lost contact with the block headquarters as floodwater spreads quickly across the Chaur. Block officer Madhumita Kumari said the water is under control and the situation is being monitored.
