‘Whatever we earn, the Ganga takes it away’: How Bihar floods are playing out on the ground

In the aftermath of Bihar's floods, hundreds of people in Bhagalpur district have been displaced from their homes. Raj Kishore, a 25-year-old from Didarpur Bind Tola, was one of many who lost everything when water entered his home. The only salvaged items are his documents, cash, and jewelry. Kishore had been in Hyderabad, but heard about the floods from a phone call.

"We had stored grain in a couple of drums. It has been under water all these days," he says, describing the extent of the damage. The district administration has set up makeshift shelters for these displaced families, with tents stretched over bamboo poles and low shelters along narrow pathways. Children also attend classes in two shifts at an anganwadi center within the settlement.

Despite the hardships, the district administration has introduced a unique routine for the children, offering art therapy and storytelling sessions. Food is also provided at Rabindra Bhawan, a historic university building, twice a day.