Once again, North Bihar finds itself in the grip of devastating floods, a yearly calamity that has, by now, become a tragic and predictable event. This time, however, the situation is worsening, with nearly 1.5 million people already affected by the surging waters. The heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers like the Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati to overflow, inundating large swathes of farmland, homes, and roads. But as the waters rise, so do the frustrations and concerns of the people who feel abandoned by their government.
The Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
Reports from the ground paint a grim picture. Entire villages are submerged, families are displaced, and crops—the lifeline of North Bihar’s agrarian economy—are completely destroyed. With 1.5 million people already battling the effects of these floods, it’s clear that this is a full-scale humanitarian crisis. Yet, the government’s response has been sluggish, and relief efforts are grossly insufficient.
Many residents have been left to fend for themselves, with makeshift rafts and temporary shelters their only refuge from the onslaught of the floods. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed, but for many victims, the help has come too late or not at all. Villagers from Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, and Saharsa report that despite their repeated cries for help, they have received little to no aid.
One villager from Saharsa lamented, “We have been living like this for years. Every monsoon, we are submerged in water, and every year, the government promises help that never comes.”
The Annual Cycle of Disaster
Floods in North Bihar are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they occur with alarming regularity, thanks to the region’s geographical proximity to Nepal and its rivers that flow southward into India. However, the question remains: Why has the government failed to address this recurring disaster? Every year, the floodwaters wash away homes, livelihoods, and, tragically, lives. Yet the disaster preparedness remains woefully inadequate.
Many are questioning why there hasn’t been any significant long-term investment in flood prevention measures, such as building better embankments, improving drainage systems, and adopting modern water management techniques. The Kosi River, often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar,” has been causing havoc for decades. How long will the people of North Bihar continue to suffer before meaningful action is taken?
Where Is the Government’s Focus?
While floods ravage the region, many Biharis are wondering where the government’s focus truly lies. In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of political grandstanding, but little concrete action. The state and central governments seem more preoccupied with pushing forward their own political agendas than dealing with the critical issues on the ground.
One resident of Darbhanga angrily remarked, “We are left to drown while politicians fight among themselves. They come here when they need votes, but where are they now when we need help?”
Relief camps have been set up in certain areas, but their inadequacy is glaring. Many camps lack basic facilities such as clean water, food, and medical assistance. With children and the elderly at the highest risk, the lack of medical aid is particularly concerning. Some hospitals are also submerged, forcing people to wade through floodwaters to get help.
How Effective Is the Disaster Management?
Despite the state government’s claims of being prepared for the flood season, the on-ground reality suggests otherwise. The disaster management mechanisms in place are being widely criticized for their ineffectiveness.
The government’s much-touted flood forecasting systems and early warning alerts seem to have done little to mitigate the damage. By the time people were alerted, many had already lost their homes, crops, and possessions. Villagers, like 55-year-old farmer Raghav Prasad, question how these systems could have failed so spectacularly. “We were told that this year the government is ready, but look around you. Nothing has changed!”, he exclaimed.
The Mismanagement of Relief Funds
Adding fuel to the fire is the allegation that relief funds meant for flood victims often disappear into the pockets of corrupt officials. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of financial mismanagement in the distribution of aid. Funds intended for rebuilding homes, providing medical care, and ensuring food security for the affected are often siphoned off.
One villager shared, “We hear of crores of rupees being sanctioned for flood relief, but we never see it. Where does the money go? Why are we always left with nothing but promises?”
Is This the Future for North Bihar?
The real question is: how many more lives will be lost, and how many more homes will be destroyed before something changes? North Bihar’s flood crisis is not just a natural disaster but a disaster born out of mismanagement, corruption, and a glaring lack of political will.
With climate change intensifying the monsoons, the situation is only expected to worsen in the coming years. Yet, the state and central governments have done little to prepare for these inevitable calamities. It’s almost as though they have accepted the floods as an unsolvable problem, leaving the people of North Bihar to deal with the devastation year after year.
The government’s failure to implement long-term solutions raises critical questions. Why are embankments not being strengthened or built in critical areas? Why is there no comprehensive flood management plan involving both India and Nepal, given the transboundary nature of the rivers causing these floods?
What Can Be Done?
As people in Bihar struggle to cope with yet another flood season, it’s time to ask some hard questions. Shouldn’t the government be held accountable for its repeated failures? Why isn’t there more urgency in developing flood-resistant infrastructure? Shouldn’t more emphasis be placed on climate change adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable communities?
There’s also a dire need for transparent relief fund management. Given the allegations of corruption, the government must ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Civil society organizations and the media have a crucial role to play in holding authorities accountable.
Who Will Stand Up for Bihar?
The people of North Bihar are resilient, but how long will they continue to suffer? Each year, their lives are disrupted, and their futures look bleaker. It’s high time that the government takes action—not just in the form of empty promises, but through concrete steps that will prevent future disasters.
Until then, the people of North Bihar will continue to ask: When will we be heard? When will the government take responsibility? And most importantly, Who will save us from this never-ending cycle of floods?