Around 22 villages affected in Ghatkusumbha; nearly 1,100 hectares of farmland submerged as Harohar River continues to rise
BIHAR | SHEIKHPURA | By DW24 News Desk
Rising water levels in the Harohar River have severely affected normal life in Ghatkusumbha block of Bihar’s Sheikhpura district, with floodwaters spreading across agricultural fields, roads and residential areas.
Around 22 villages are reported to have been affected, while nearly 1,100 hectares of agricultural land are said to be submerged. The flooding has caused significant difficulties for farmers and residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas.
With several roads under water, boats have become an important means of transportation for residents trying to access schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services.
Children Continue Their Journey to School
Among the most striking scenes from the flood-affected region are images of children from Akbarpur village travelling through floodwaters to attend school.
Akbarpur is located approximately one kilometre from Kusumbha Ghat Middle School. Due to the surrounding floodwaters, students have to cross waterlogged stretches before boarding a boat to reach the school.
The determination of the children to continue their education despite the difficult conditions has drawn attention to the impact of the floods on daily life.
However, their journey has also raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren, particularly while travelling through deep water and strong river currents.
Bridge Submerged, Connectivity Disrupted
The rising water level has also affected the bridge connecting Bau Ghat and Panapur. With the route submerged, connectivity between Panapur panchayat and the block and district headquarters has been seriously disrupted.
Residents of Panapur, Pranpur, Harinamakchak, Jitparpur, Mohammadpur and Alapur are among those facing difficulties in travelling for essential work.
For many families, boats have now become the only practical option for movement.
Agricultural Fields Under Water
Floodwaters have entered several residential areas and submerged large stretches of farmland.
Crops including paddy, maize, vegetables and arhar have reportedly been affected, leaving farmers concerned about substantial losses.
In Deehkusumbha, local residents have been making efforts to protect their homes and agricultural land by constructing temporary embankments.
Villagers have reportedly been transporting soil by tractor to strengthen these barriers. However, the continued pressure and rising water levels of the river are making these efforts increasingly difficult.
Healthcare Services Also Affected
The disruption of road connectivity has created additional challenges for patients and healthcare workers in Panapur and surrounding areas.
Residents say boats are being used to transport patients to healthcare facilities when roads become inaccessible.
An image of Sandhya Kumari, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at the Panapur sub-health centre, wading through waist-deep water to reach the health facility has also highlighted the difficulties faced by healthcare workers.
Despite the waterlogging, she reportedly continued towards the health centre so that medicines and basic healthcare services could remain available to local residents.
Administration Says Situation Is Under Control
Sheikhpura District Magistrate Shekhar Anand has said that floodwaters have entered one school, while other schools can be used as community centres if required.
According to the district administration, adequate funds are available for relief and response measures, and the overall situation remains under control.
District and police authorities, along with other response teams, are monitoring the affected areas and working to provide assistance to residents.
Government boats have also been deployed in several locations.
Circle Officer Rakesh Kumar said boats have been stationed at Bataura, Sahra and Akbarpur to assist people in affected areas.
Residents Demand More Relief Measures
Despite ongoing administrative efforts, residents in the affected villages are seeking additional support.
Their demands reportedly include:
- More boats for safe transportation
- Medicines and medical assistance
- Animal fodder
- Relief materials
- Improved emergency transportation
- Assistance for affected farmers
As floodwaters continue to affect roads and agricultural land, villagers say the need for emergency services and safe transportation is increasing.
Opposition Questions Government Preparedness
The flood situation has also become a subject of political criticism, with opposition parties questioning the government’s preparedness and relief arrangements.
Opposition leaders have alleged that residents in affected areas are facing difficulties accessing healthcare, education and transportation.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also visited flood-affected areas. Difficulties involving a boat during his visit subsequently became part of the political discussion surrounding the flood response.
Opposition parties have cited the incident while questioning the preparedness of the administration.
The government, however, maintains that the flooding is a natural disaster and that officials, response teams and available resources are being used around the clock to minimise the difficulties faced by residents.
Flood Brings Two Contrasting Pictures
The situation in Ghatkusumbha presents two very different pictures.
On one side are submerged agricultural fields, flooded homes, damaged connectivity and residents struggling to reach essential services.
On the other are schoolchildren travelling through floodwaters and taking boats to continue their education despite the difficult circumstances.
For the children of Akbarpur, the boat has become more than a means of crossing the river. It has become a vital link between their homes and their school.
The immediate challenge for the administration is to ensure that residents—particularly children, patients, elderly people and vulnerable families—can safely access essential services until normal connectivity is restored.
As the Harohar River continues to affect the region, residents are hoping for timely relief, improved transportation arrangements and a gradual return to normal life.
