Bettiah: Hundreds of people from nearly two dozen villages, including Khutwania Jalarpul, Siswa Mangalpur, Navalpur, Dhadhwa, Chamukha, and Harpur Mujauna Panchayat, were stranded in a sudden flood that hit the Diara area of Yogapatti and Bairia blocks on Sunday evening. The flood, caused by a rise in water levels, has left many families in distress as they await rescue.
As of now, the local administration has successfully rescued over 100 families. However, an estimated 900 people remain trapped, particularly in the village of Siswa Mangalpur Panchayat, where ongoing rescue efforts are being conducted. Many of these families have been without food or basic amenities for the past 48 hours, with stoves unlit and people taking refuge on the rooftops of their homes. Fortunately, the administration is now actively evacuating those stranded.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Dr. Vinod Kumar confirmed that rescue operations are in full swing. “Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed, and we aim to evacuate everyone by late night. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools, and a community kitchen will be operational to provide food for the flood victims,” he stated. High ground has also been identified for those affected, and efforts are being made to ensure they are relocated safely and provided for.
Despite the administration’s efforts, frustration among the flood victims is palpable. Residents, including Asmohammad Ansari, Kanhaiya Chaudhary, Rajendra Rai, and others, expressed their anger, citing the lack of timely support. “Five to seven feet of water has entered our homes. We’ve been sitting on our rooftops without food or water for days. Children are hungry and crying. We’ve been surviving only on drinking water,” said a resident of Jaralpur.
Livestock are also suffering as no fodder has been provided, and they are left to stand in floodwaters. Many families have taken matters into their own hands, relocating to higher ground or setting up makeshift camps. However, more than 70% of the displaced families have not received adequate help, leaving them vulnerable.
Around 60 families rescued from Madhatapur are currently taking shelter in the home of former Mukhiya Asha Pandey. In response, the administration has set up a flood relief shelter in a local government school, with additional locations being identified to accommodate more flood victims if necessary.
