Rains stop Patna in its tracks

Patna’s civic system has collapsed due to the torrential rains lashing the state over the last four days. Normal life has been thrown out of gear and most parts of the city are heavily waterlogged. Schools have been closed and boats have been pressed into service to ferry people from the marooned areas.

Areas like Kankerbagh, Rajendra Nagar, Pataliputra Colony, Patna City and Kadamkuan are under knee-to-waist-deep water. Homes are flooded and drains overflowing.

Patna DM JK Sinha has ordered closure of all schools for three days. The waterlogging has cut supply lines of everything — from vegetables and cooking gas to medicines, creating a shortage. Many people in affected areas complained of telephones going dead and power cuts, leading to a potable water crisis.

Public transport services have been closed. Only rickshaws are coming in handy in ferrying marooned people. The district administration has pressed boats into service. Healthcare services have also been paralysed as doctors have not been able to report to duty.