Flood Alert in Bihar: Rising River Water Trigger Flash Flood Threat, Affecting Over 13 Lakh People

Patna: The Bihar government has declared an alert for floods along swollen Kosi, Gandak and Ganga rivers in northern and central parts of the state following the release of water from Valmikinagar and Birpur barrages, a senior official reported on Saturday.

A total of 5.7 cusecs of water was released from Birpur Barrage on Kosi River till noon, the highest in the recent past, Santosh Kumar Mall, Principal Secretary of the state Water Resources Department informed PTI.

He added that all safety measures are being ensured for securing the embankments.

Flooding Intensifies After Valmikinagar Barrage Discharge

Also, 4.20 lakh cusecs of water were released from Valmikinagar Barrage till noon.

"The water level of several rivers has been rising across the state, following continuous rainfall over the past two-three days. Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal has also led to rivers touching or floating above the danger level at several places in the bordering districts," the senior official said.

Low-Lying Areas in West Champaran Hit by Floodwaters

Following the heavy discharge of water from these two barrages, the excess river water entered low-lying areas in Jogapatti, Nautan, Gaunaha, Bagaha-1, Bagaha-2, Ramnagar, Majhaulia and Narkatiaganj blocks in West Champaran and several areas of East Champaran, officials said.

An alert has already been sounded in several districts of Bihar as the IMD predicted heavy rain and warned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of the state.

IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Warning

Heavy rain was likely in West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Jehanabad, Madhubani and Bhojpur districts, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin issued on Friday said.

"These districts are at risk of low to moderate flash floods over the next 24 hours," it said.

The state disaster management department asked the administration of the districts to remain on alert and take preventive measures in the wake of the forecast.

Relief and Evacuation Efforts Underway

Around 12 districts situated along the Ganga, including Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger and Bhagalpur, are already experiencing a flood-like situation, and nearly 13.5 lakh people living in low-lying areas have been affected by rising water levels of rivers, following torrential rainfall.

Many people from the affected districts have been evacuated and brought to relief camps. 

(With PTI inputs)