Muzaffarpur: A clash erupted between flood victims and police in Muzaffarpur on Friday as residents blocked National Highway-77, demanding relief and compensation. The protest occurred near Gopalpur in Aurai block, where floodwaters have submerged homes, forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops and high ground. When police arrived to clear the blockade, the situation escalated, with the crowd throwing stones and attacking officers with sticks. In response, the police used mild force, and additional reinforcements were dispatched to the area.
Angry over the lack of relief materials and compensation, the flood victims set up bamboo barricades and burned tires on the road. The police were forced to retreat as the crowd grew increasingly aggressive. The disruption was triggered by severe flooding in the area, which has left many without shelter, food, or access to basic necessities. More than 25 villages in Aurai and Katra blocks have been affected, impacting around 3 lakh people.
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen addressed the situation, stating that efforts were being made to provide relief, including the distribution of 12,000 polythene sheets. He also urged the public not to spread rumors during this challenging time and warned that legal action would be taken against those misleading others. Sen confirmed that the administration is working to address the demands of the flood victims, who are calling for immediate monetary compensation to rebuild their homes.
The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region, has led to rivers like Gandak, Budhi Gandak, and Bagmati rising above the danger mark. Villages such as Bakuchi, Mohanpur Patari, and Madhopur have been submerged, with water levels reaching up to four feet in some areas. Boats have become the only means of transportation, and residents are struggling to access food and fodder for their cattle.
Local officials, including ADM Manoj Kumar and SDM Amit, visited the affected villages on Sunday to assess the damage and ensure that relief efforts are being carried out efficiently.
