NEW DELHI: More than 19.57 lakh people have been affected by floods across 11 districts of Bihar as of Sunday, with authorities putting downstream areas on high alert. This comes after the Ganga, following heavy rain, crossed its previous highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna.The Ganga was flowing at 50.57 metres at Gandhi Ghat at 6am on Sunday, 0.05 metres above its previous highest flood level (HFL) of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21, 2016. While the trend was stable at Gandhi Ghat, authorities warned that Hathidah and subsequent gauge stations could be affected over the next one to three days.The rising water levels have prompted heightened vigilance across several downstream districts, with officials monitoring river levels, embankments, vulnerable locations and low-lying areas and keeping rescue machinery ready.
19.57 lakh people affected across 11 districts
According to officials, flooding has affected around 19.57 lakh people in 330 gram panchayats across Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.The latest figures indicate a worsening impact compared with earlier assessments, when around 16.85 lakh people across 61 blocks and 300 gram panchayats had been reported affected.With several rivers continuing to flow above danger levels, authorities have intensified relief and rescue operations in the affected districts.The Water Resources Department has warned that the Ganga at Hathidah may also cross its previous HFL, increasing the risk for Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar.“Officials and field-level authorities have been directed to remain alert and continuously monitor water levels, embankments, vulnerable locations and low-lying areas, while taking precautionary measures as required.“Engineers have been asked to keep flood-control resources and machinery ready. People in affected areas have been advised to avoid going near the river and remain cautious,” the advisory stated.Local administrations have also been asked to keep a close watch on boat operations, prevent overloading and ensure residents receive regular updates about the flood situation.
Ganga breaches danger levels at several locations
The Ganga is above the danger mark at several locations in Bihar.At Buxar, the river was 0.08 metres above the danger mark, although its level was declining. At Dighaghat in Patna, it was 1.54 metres above the danger mark, while at Gandhi Ghat it stood 1.96 metres above it.At Hathidah, the Ganga was 1.74 metres above the danger mark and continued to rise. Munger recorded a level 0.51 metres above the danger mark, with the river showing a rising trend.The river was also 2.01 metres above the danger mark at Sultanganj and 0.65 metres above it at Bhagalpur. The Ganga remained above the danger mark at Kahalgaon as well.At Pandarak in Patna, the river was flowing at 43.92 metres at 6 am, 0.19 metres above its previous HFL of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16, 2021.In contrast, the Ganga remained below the warning level in Prayagraj and Varanasi. Its level was rising in Prayagraj but declining in Varanasi.
Several rivers remain above danger levels
The flood threat is not confined to the Ganga. Several other rivers in Bihar are also flowing above their respective danger levels.The Gandak is above the danger mark at Dumariaghat and Hajipur, while the Kosi has crossed the mark at Baltara and Kursela. The Budhi Gandak is above the danger level at Khagaria.The Punpun is above the danger mark at Sripalpur, while the Bagmati has crossed it at Benibad. The Ghaghra is also flowing above the danger level at Darauli.The combination of rising river levels and further rainfall has kept authorities on alert, particularly in downstream and low-lying areas.
Relief operations expanded across flood-hit districts
The administration has deployed significant resources to assist people affected by the floods.A total of 110 community kitchens are currently operating in various districts to provide food to affected residents. Earlier official figures had put the number of operational community kitchens at 80, with around 1.21 lakh people receiving meals through them.One relief camp is also operational, providing accommodation, food, medical assistance and other essential facilities to 326 flood-affected people.Authorities have distributed around 45,900 polythene sheets and 11,700 dry ration packets as part of relief efforts.Boats are being used extensively to evacuate residents and maintain movement in areas affected by rising waters. The latest deployment stands at 1,345 boats across the state, compared with 1,158 reported earlier.
SDRF, NDRF teams deployed
With the possibility of further flooding, 27 State Disaster Response Force teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across different districts.The teams have been tasked with undertaking rapid relief and rescue operations, while district administrations continue to monitor vulnerable areas and river embankments.Officials have also been instructed to ensure that flood-control equipment and machinery remain ready for deployment as required.
Rain forecast raises concern over further rise
The flood situation could remain challenging over the coming days as the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places across the state over the next two days.Heavy rainfall is also possible at some locations.Authorities are therefore preparing for the possibility of further increases in river levels, particularly in areas already affected by flooding. The state government and district administrations are continuing to monitor the situation and deploy relief materials, boats and rescue teams according to local requirements.
Rail services affected on Patna-Gaya section
The flooding has also disrupted railway operations in parts of the state.The East Central Railway said on Sunday that some trains had been cancelled or diverted because of the “alarmingly high water level at bridge number 21″ connecting Punpun and Parsa Bazar stations on the Patna-Gaya section.The development adds to the disruption caused by rising waters as authorities continue to focus on evacuation, relief and the safety of residents in flood-affected areas.
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Barrage discharge levels
Barrage discharge data recorded at 9 am on Sunday showed that the Sone Barrage at Indrapuri was releasing 2,27,739 cusecs of water, although the flow was declining.The Kosi Barrage at Birpur was releasing 1,68,400 cusecs, with the discharge remaining stable. The Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar was releasing 1,29,000 cusecs, also with a stable trend.With multiple rivers remaining above danger levels, further rainfall forecast over the next two days and the Ganga already having crossed its previous HFL at Gandhi Ghat, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and avoid approaching swollen rivers.
