Patna: Floodwaters from the Ganga have entered six panchayats of Danapur Diara in Patna district, affecting more than two lakh people. Residents are abandoning their homes, taking along their belongings, cattle, and family members, and migrating towards safer areas in the city.
Many displaced families have taken shelter at Baldeva High School in Danapur city. Former District Council member Omprakash Rai said the floods have completely disrupted life in the affected areas. “People are wading through waist-deep river water to reach safer ground,” he added.
Six Panchayats Submerged; Schools and Health Centres Shut
The inundated panchayats are Purani Panapur, Ganghara, Hetanpur, Patlapur, Kasimchak, and Manas, home to around 55,000 voters.
According to locals, these areas have about 20 primary schools, six middle schools, and one high school, all of which are now closed after water entered the premises.
Health sub-centres in all six panchayats have also been flooded, bringing medical services to a halt. The disruption is posing severe challenges for residents, especially pregnant women and the elderly.
Relief Measures Underway, But Concerns Over Boat Fares
Zonal Officer Chandan Kumar said tents and awnings have been set up at Baldeva High School for the displaced, with arrangements for cattle fodder and special medical care for pregnant women. The administration is deploying two boats to ferry people to safety.
However, villagers allege that private boat owners are exploiting the crisis by charging exorbitant rates, making it difficult for families to transport their cattle and belongings.
