Arun Lata Sharma
Sitamarhi : The incessant rain during last 48 hours has thrown life out of gear in Sitamarhi District as every river was flowing above the danger mark in the district on July 24, 2020. Major rivers like Bagmati, Lalbakeya, Jhim, Hardi, Marar, Maraha, the Adhawara Group, Manushamara, and Lakhadei are flowing well above danger marks at many places.
Sursand, Parihar, Bathanaha, Dumra, Bajpatti, Belsand, Runnisaidpur, Suppi, Choraut, Riga, and Bokhara blocks are partially affected by flood. Altogether 119 Panchayats are reeling under flood. Three community kitchens are functional under Sonbarsa and Parihar blocks. The flood water has overtopped Sitamarhi-Sursand, Sitamarhi-Parihar, Sitamarhi-Sheohar, Riga-Suppi, Pupri-Choraut, and Sitamarhi-Bajpatti roads.
The Jhim river water has inundated the low lying areas of Sonbarsa block town. Marar and Rato rivers have engulfed Bhittha Mor Bazar on Indo-Nepal border. The Lakhandei river has been flowing on Kanhauli-Khap Khopraha, Singrahia- Baduri and Lagma-Bhasepur roads causing a lot of hardships to villagers and commuters.
Meanwhile, the district administration has geared up to face any eventuality. DM Abhilasha Kumari Sharma said that disaster management team has been put on high alert mode and strict vigil is underway on several embankments. Some shelter homes have also been identified in several flood prone blocks.