Gandak River Floods Motihari: Residents Forced to Seek Refuge on Champaran Embankment

Motihari: The Gandak River continues to wreak havoc in Motihari’s Sangrampur block, forcing residents of Poochharia village to abandon their homes and seek refuge on the Champaran embankment. Over 20 houses have been swept away by the river, with villagers using ropes in a desperate attempt to save the few remaining structures. Hundreds of displaced residents are now living under plastic sheets on the embankment, facing severe shortages of food and drinking water.

Villagers expressed their frustration at the lack of support. Panna Lal Sahni, whose home is being swallowed by the floodwaters, stated that they are struggling to find clean water. He mentioned that officials have come only to make empty promises, while residents have to walk two kilometers to Sangrampur market just to fetch water. Phuleena Sahni, who has been living on the embankment for days, said the initial food supplies provided by authorities were of such poor quality that even animals refused to eat them.

Mala Devi, who lost her home to the flood, now lives on the embankment with her children. She said they are without food and proper shelter. Munna Devi, another villager, called on the government to find a permanent solution to the recurring floods that disrupt their lives every year.

The situation in the village has grown increasingly dire, with roads submerged and only boats providing access. Residents like Radhika Kunwar have seen their homes disappear in just a few days due to rapid riverbank erosion. Ganesh Singh, who lost his concrete house on the first day of the flooding, fears his brother will soon face the same fate. Despite the danger, many are reluctant to leave their homes, hoping to salvage what little remains.

Efforts to assist those displaced by the flood are ongoing, with temporary shelters and community kitchens being set up. However, residents continue to face significant challenges as they await further help.