Approximately 13 districts along the Ganga, including Buxar and Bhagalpur, are already facing flood-like conditions, affecting around 1.35 million residents in low-lying areas.
The Bihar government has issued a flood alert for northern and central regions following significant water discharge from the Birpur barrage on the Kosi River. Officials reported that 6.61 lakh cusecs of water was released by 5 AM Sunday, the highest level in 56 years. The last maximum discharge recorded was 7.88 lakh cusecs in 1968.
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This situation is likely to worsen conditions for over 1.6 million people in 13 districts already affected by flooding from recent heavy rains. Additionally, 5.38 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Valmikinagar barrage on the Gandak River by 7 PM Saturday, surpassing the 6.39 lakh cusecs released in 2003.
Traffic movement near the Kosi barrage has been halted as a precautionary measure.
Water levels in rivers including the Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, and Ganga have been rising due to continuous rainfall over the past few days. Incessant rains in Nepal’s catchment areas have caused rivers to reach or exceed danger levels in several bordering districts.
Authorities in Nepal reported releasing 5.40 lakh cusecs of water into the Gandak barrage and 4.99 lakh cusecs into the Kosi barrage. Excess water has inundated low-lying areas in districts such as West and East Champaran, Gopalganj, and Purnea.
An alert has also been issued for several districts as the India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rain and warns of flash flood risks. Districts including West and East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, and Patna are expected to face significant rainfall, increasing the likelihood of low to moderate flash floods.
The state disaster management department has advised local administrations to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures.
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Approximately 13 districts along the Ganga, including Buxar and Bhagalpur, are already experiencing flood-like conditions, affecting nearly 1.35 million residents. Many people from these areas have been evacuated to relief camps.
(With PTI inputs)
