Severe Flooding in Muzaffarpur: Residents Displaced, Relief Efforts Underway
In Muzaffarpur, Bihar, severe flooding in the Aurai block has forced many residents to leave their waterlogged homes. People have set up makeshift tents using tarpaulin sheets along roadsides for temporary shelter. District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen explained that the flooding is due to rising water levels in the Bagmati River and dam breaches in Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
To aid those affected, community kitchens have been established in the most impacted areas. These kitchens are set up based on residents’ requests to ensure easy access to food. Due to accessibility issues, boat movement is permitted in flooded areas, and two senior officials are overseeing operations.
Over 20,000 polythene sheets have been distributed to affected blocks, with plans for more. Medical camps and veterinary services are also available. The flooding is exacerbated by heavy water discharge from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, following heavy rainfall in Nepal’s catchment areas. Rivers in many bordering districts are at or above danger levels.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai stated that the central government, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is providing all possible assistance to Bihar. The Home Minister is also monitoring the situation to ensure continuous relief efforts.
Doubts Revealed
Muzaffarpur -: Muzaffarpur is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. It is known for its litchi farms and is located in the northern part of the state.
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and it is one of the most populous states in India.
Bagmati River -: The Bagmati River is a river that flows through Nepal and India. It is an important river for the regions it flows through, but it can cause flooding during heavy rains.
Dam breaches -: Dam breaches occur when a dam fails or is damaged, allowing water to escape uncontrollably. This can lead to severe flooding in nearby areas.
Community kitchens -: Community kitchens are places where food is prepared and served to people in need, especially during emergencies like floods. They help ensure that displaced people have access to meals.
Polythene sheets -: Polythene sheets are large plastic sheets used to provide temporary shelter. They are often distributed during emergencies to help people protect themselves from rain and wind.
Kosi Barrage -: The Kosi Barrage is a large structure built on the Kosi River in Nepal. It helps control water flow, but heavy discharge from it can lead to flooding in downstream areas like Bihar.
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He leads the central government and is responsible for making important decisions for the country, including providing assistance during disasters.