Bihar on high alert as rains ravage northern districts

A threat of devastating floods looms large across northern districts in Bihar as torrential rains lash over the catchment area in Nepal. Alert has been sounded across East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga and Madhubani, as the Meteorological Department forecasts inundating downpour this week.

Rivers across the region have consistently logged a rising trend in water levels. Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Kosi, Kamla-Balan, Lal Bakia and Mahananda were recording flow above the danger mark at measuring stations. Gandak river recorded flowing 1.25m above the acceptable levels in the Chitwan region of Nepal. The river originating from Nepal has already caused flooding in several low-lying areas across West Champaran, East Champaran and Gopalganj, as the total discharge is approximately 4.40 lakh cusecs at the time of writing. The discharge has also damaged the Valmiki Nagar barrage, causing all 36 gates to open.

 In Sheohar district, Bagmati river is carving similar devastation as it was flowing at least 1.15m above the danger mark. As a result, the Narkatiya village close to the river has been submerged in floodwaters. On the state highway, water levels rose to five-six metres on 54 kacchi sadak (dirt tracks). The Kamla-Balan river has similarly deluged parts of Madhubani and Darbhanga, threatening lakhs of lives and establishments.The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority has consequently issued an evacuation warning, urging people to abandon low-lying areas. A community kitchen has additionally been set up for displaced people.The district magistrate is keeping a close vigil and has asked the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to remain on high alert.

Across the state, over three lakh people have already been affected due to floods. In Nepal, Kosi and Mahananda are recording high levels too — as they continue to flow above the danger mark. Last year, Mahananda’s gushing currents caused torrential flooding across several regions.

The nationwide lockdown has impacted flood relief measures across the state. However, the state government asserts that all measures are being efficiently carried out and all concerned bodies are vigilant about the developments across embankments.