A passenger bus narrowly escaped a major accident in Arwal district after getting stuck in floodwaters caused by the rising water level of the Punpun River. The incident occurred on Wednesday near Shadipur village in Sonbhadra Banshi Suryapur block, when a bus named Hariom, traveling from Sonbhadra to Gaya, became trapped in the deluge.

Approximately six feet of water was flowing over the Sonbhadra-Shadipur via Manikpur road near Shadipur village. Despite the strong currents, the driver attempted to navigate the bus through the route, leading to one of its wheels slipping off the road into the water. The quick-thinking driver immediately applied the brakes, bringing the bus under control. Around a dozen passengers on board promptly jumped out to save themselves. All passengers are reported safe and have proceeded towards their destinations. Locals have tied the bus to a tree with an electric wire to prevent it from being swept away by the strong currents.

Due to the increased water levels of the Punpun River, several villages in Sonbhadra Banshi Suryapur block have been surrounded by floodwaters since Tuesday night. The inundation of villages and main roads has disrupted connectivity with Karpi and Kurtha blocks. Furthermore, road links with neighboring Gaya and Aurangabad districts have also been severed, causing significant difficulties for residents in accessing daily necessities, medical facilities, and other essential services. Most schools in the block are also submerged, and power supply remains disrupted in many areas. The continuous worsening of the flood situation has created an atmosphere of fear and concern among the villagers.