Villagers affected by flood in Dhokri rescued safely by boat

DHOKRI। In Dhokri area of Rohtas district, Bihar, continuous rain and rising water levels of the Son river have deepened the flood crisis. Pradhan Vikas Yadav said that three boats have been arranged to evacuate the affected villagers from their homes.

About 50 houses have been affected by floodwaters entering the villages of Saraiyan, Farukganj, Shivala, Madaripur, and Tilothu East in Dhokri, while more than 30 houses are still submerged. Villagers said that during the 2015 floods, the residential areas of Saraiyan and nearby villages were also affected.

Due to the flood, many families had to remain trapped in their homes overnight. On Wednesday morning, Deputy Chief Jokhan Paswan and villagers used boats to safely move about 100 people to safe locations. These included women, elderly, and children. Many villagers also took their pets with them.

Villagers expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's arrangements. They said that despite the worsening situation, no official reached the affected area by evening. The administration only used loudspeakers to alert people, while affected families urgently need boats, relief materials, and safe places.

The fear of poisonous snakes and other creatures entering homes with floodwaters has increased villagers' worries. The paddy crops in the fields have been completely submerged.

Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh as well. In Jabli of Dharampur area, after heavy rain, debris started flowing over a shop, forcing the shopkeeper to run outside to save his life. A yellow alert for rain has been issued in several districts of the state until September 5.

The state has received 8 percent less rainfall than normal this monsoon. Chamba, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, and Solan recorded less than normal rainfall, while Bilaspur, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Una received more than normal rainfall.

During this period, 110 houses have been completely demolished and 480 houses have suffered partial damage. Landslides have caused 18 deaths, while one person died in a flash flood. Government and private property have suffered losses amounting to Rs 1202 crore, including Rs 914 crore in losses to the PWD.