Flood-Hit Nazira Cries for Food, Water as Relief Falters; ONGC Buses Block Lifeline Road

NAZIRA, July 26, 2026 — Five days after the Dikhow River unleashed one of the worst floods in Nazira's recent history, thousands of displaced families remain without adequate food, safe drinking water and basic relief, triggering growing anger against the administration.

Residents across the flood-ravaged co-district alleged that government relief has failed to reach many affected areas, leaving families who have lost their homes and belongings to survive in extreme hardship.

Flood victims said they are struggling even for a sip of drinking water, with many spending days and nights on embankments, high ground, and in Namghars, mosques, temples and clubhouses.

Among the worst-hit areas are all wards of Nazira town, Teteliguri, Bagoriguri, parts of Bihubar Panchayat in Simaluguri, Bamunpukhuri, Maut Gaon, Koch Gaon, Rajapool, Sonaripukhuri, Lakhimijan, Ligiripukhuri, Naga Gaon and Hulalkatni, where residents continue to appeal for immediate relief.

Although local organisations and individuals have distributed food and drinking water in some locations, residents said private efforts alone cannot meet the needs of thousands of flood victims.

Fresh anger has also erupted over several non-functional ONGC buses that have remained parked for days on the Bortal-Geleki road between the railway crossing and Hulalkatni.

Residents alleged that the abandoned buses have narrowed the road, obstructing the movement of vehicles carrying relief materials into flood-affected villages at a time when every hour is critical.

The issue has intensified criticism of ONGC, with residents questioning why a Maharatna public sector company operating in the region has neither removed the stranded vehicles nor taken visible steps to ease the humanitarian crisis.

Locals also questioned why the Nazira administration had failed to clear the road despite the ongoing emergency, alleging that the inaction has compounded the suffering of flood-affected families already battling hunger, displacement and uncertainty.