Munger: The flood situation in Bihar has worsened, with 10 rivers in spate and at least seven districts under water. In Munger, the Ganga’s water level has been rising continuously for the past 15 days, forcing more than 2 lakh residents across 30 villages in six blocks to grapple with severe flooding.
Authorities said floodwaters have entered around 70,000 houses in Munger district, submerging many entirely. Even parts of the urban area have not been spared, with about 50 houses inundated. In Jamalpur block, more than 400 homes are under water, with flood levels reaching up to five feet in former farmland.
The Shri Krishna bridge connecting Munger and Khagaria is now surrounded by floodwaters, with more than half of its pillars submerged. The view from 30 feet above the bridge reveals an expanse of water stretching across villages like Charon, Ramgarh, and Maniyachak.
Funerals on Roadsides as Ganga Cuts Off Access
Floodwaters up to four feet deep on the Nauwagarhi–Charound road have cut off access to the cremation ground in Ramgarh. Residents from at least 10 villages are now performing last rites on roadsides. “Earlier we cremated bodies on the Ganga’s banks, but now the water has blocked our path,” said a local villager.
Families Take Shelter on Railway Tracks and Highways
With homes submerged, families have moved to railway tracks and state highways, bringing along their cattle. “We have been living on the tracks for five days, eating only dry food,” said flood victim Naresh Mandal, alleging that no government aid had reached them.
Bariyarpur resident Ramvilas Singh said he had shifted to the highway with his family after floodwaters entered his home and destroyed stored grains. “We are in the open, but at least our lives are safe,” he said.
Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
The district administration said 14 community kitchens have been set up, serving meals twice daily, with milk and biscuits for children. Seventy-two flood relief camps have been identified, while 2,523 pregnant women, 2,450 lactating mothers, 11,389 elderly people, and 613 disabled persons in flood-affected areas are receiving priority assistance.
Two SDRF companies with 34 personnel, 35 divers, and 299 ‘Aapada Mitras’ have been deployed for rescue work. Pregnant women are being shifted closer to hospitals for emergency care.
Railway Operations Hit
Rising Ganga water has reached six railway bridges between Sultanganj and Ratanpur on the Jamalpur–Bhagalpur section. Train speeds here have been reduced to 30 km/h, with railway staff monitoring bridge safety around the clock.
