Dumka: Rising water level of Ganga led to inundation of low-lying localities and residential pockets in Sahibganj urban circle late on Wednesday, forcing families to move to higher grounds.Ganga touched this season’s highest level of 28.65 metres on Wednesday evening, well above danger mark of 27.25 metres. Close to 2.5 lakh people are now affected, officials estimated.Water entered homes in Alinagar, Habibpur, Bharatiya Colony, Haripur and Rasulapur Dahla. “We have water inside the house, and the kitchen is almost unusable. We are managing by staying on the upper floor, but we are worried about how long we can continue like this,” said Wasim Akhtar, a resident of Alinagar.Locals waded through stagnant water to take their children to school, procure essential items and reach their workplaces. Stagnant water raised concerns over public health as several areas reported seepage of floodwater in water supply “We are worried about the quality of drinking water. If clean water and medicines are not supplied soon, health problems may increase,” said Firoj, a resident of Habibpur.Sub-divisional officer Amar Jihn Aind said the administration was closely monitoring the situation. He said, “A 30-member NDRF team, which arrived in Sahibganj on Wednesday to assist in relief operations. Arrangements for drinking water, healthcare and other essential services would be strengthened wherever needed.”
