Katihar: Several villages in Katihar district's Barari and Amdabad blocks are grappling with severe flooding due to the continuous rise in the water levels of the Ganga and Kosi rivers. Flood victims have voiced their distress over the lack of drinking water and proper shelter, alleging that local elected representatives like Mukhiya, Sarpanch, and ward members are doing nothing to help them.

In Amdabad block, villages including Dakshini Karimullapur, Bhawanipur Khatti, Paar Diyara, Durgapur, Chaukiyan Paharpur, and Lakhanpur are completely submerged. Similarly, in Barari block's Uchla village, floodwaters suddenly entered homes at night, exacerbating the residents' plight.

Flood victims Naresh Chaudhary and Anjali Devi reported that the sudden inundation of their homes has led to a shortage of food and drinking water, with many struggling to get even basic sustenance. They have appealed to the government for food provisions. In Uchla village, a Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) built dam at Sijtola, connecting two villages, has also broken due to the rising Ganga water levels, disrupting connectivity and forcing residents to rely on boats for transport. Many are seeking refuge on roadsides and are requesting plastic sheets and food supplies from the district administration.

Barari Circle Officer Manish Kumar visited Uchla village to assess the situation and meet with the flood victims. He stated that according to government guidelines, if cooking facilities are unavailable for 72 hours, dry rations or community kitchens are to be arranged. Kumar mentioned that water levels have risen rapidly in the past two days, causing people to migrate to higher grounds. He assured that temporary plastic sheets are being provided, and community kitchens will be started soon. The Circle Officer confirmed that three main panchayats are currently affected by the floods, and all necessary facilities will be provided as per government guidelines.