Severe Flooding Affects Over 10 Lakh People in Bihar
Flood Situation in Bihar
A house lies partially submerged in floodwaters following a rise in the water level of the Ganga river in Patna. (Photo:PTI)
Patna, Sep 5: Flooding has impacted approximately 10.26 lakh individuals across 11 districts in Bihar, as the Ganga river's water level surged by 10 cm at Gandhi Ghat, surpassing the 'highest flood mark' early Saturday morning due to heavy rainfall, according to official reports.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has instructed ministers and officials to visit the affected regions to oversee relief and rescue efforts closely.
Senior officials are required to remain in the impacted areas to ensure effective supervision of relief operations as the Ganga's water levels continue to rise.
As per a bulletin from the Water Resources Department, the Ganga was recorded at 1 cm above the 'highest flood mark' at 10 am, raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas of the capital.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant due to the increasing water levels.
Nitin Nabin, the national president of the BJP, stated that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister are actively monitoring the situation.
Several rivers in Bihar are currently flowing above the danger threshold, including the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, and the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, among others.
The state Disaster Management Department reported that around 10.26 lakh individuals across 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats in 11 districts have been affected by the floods.
The districts impacted include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, and Araria.
The Water Resources Department noted that the Ganga's water level at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm in just four hours, reaching 50.53 meters, which is 1 cm above the previous 'highest flood level' recorded on August 21, 2016.
Forecasts indicate that the Ganga's water level may rise further to 50.62 meters by 8 am on Sunday, prompting authorities to advise caution.
At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga's water level was recorded at 43.78 meters, surpassing its previous highest level of 43.73 meters from August 16, 2021.
The department has instructed all district magistrates and police superintendents to implement precautionary measures, alert residents near riverbanks, and ensure continuous patrolling by specialized teams to address flood emergencies.
Rising water levels in various cities are attributed to heavy rainfall in Bihar and neighboring Nepal, with the state receiving 60.8 mm of rainfall in September, which is 69% above normal.
To assist those affected by the floods, 38 community kitchens are currently operational in various districts, according to the state disaster management department.
So far, 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets have been distributed to flood victims, and 858 boats are being utilized for evacuation and transportation.
Additionally, 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) groups have been deployed in the flood-affected districts.
The Patna Municipal Corporation, along with the district administration and the Water Resources Department, has been put on high alert to take necessary precautions, as stated by the Chief Minister.
In a press conference in Patna, Nabin emphasized that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and that the government is committed to minimizing the hardships faced by the public during this disaster.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi is overseeing the situation from the Centre, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting citizens during such crises, particularly in light of the ongoing disaster in Nepal and the persistent rainfall.