Patna: The monsoon has intensified across Bihar with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for rainfall in 18 districts on Thursday. The renewed activity is attributed to a low-pressure system originating from the Bay of Bengal, which is currently impacting several parts of the state and is expected to move towards eastern Uttar Pradesh.
According to the IMD, the system is likely to bring heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds at speeds of 30 to 40 km/h in districts including Patna, West Champaran, Jehanabad, and Nalanda, among others, within the next 24 hours.
Flood Situation Worsens in Jehanabad, Nalanda
In Jehanabad, the embankment of the Falgu river has breached at multiple points, leading to floodwaters entering 24 villages such as Bharathu, Nandana, Bajitpur, Metra, Okri, and Tulsipur in Ghosi and Modanganj blocks. More than 50,000 people have been affected by the flooding.
In Nalanda, the Jirayan river’s water level is rising rapidly, causing fields to flood after an embankment breach in Sadarpur (Asthawan block). Villages in Bind block have also been affected, with low-lying areas like Chha Chu Bigha in Barhog submerged.
Meanwhile, the Ganga river is in spate at Sabalpur Diara and Mahua Bagh in Sonpur block (Saran district). Despite ongoing anti-erosion work, locals have reported significant land erosion, causing panic in riverside communities.
Rainfall Deficit Still a Concern
Despite the recent showers, the overall monsoon activity in Bihar remains below average. From June 1 to July 15, Bihar recorded only 189.4 mm of rainfall against the normal of 349.1 mm — a 46% deficit.
20 Killed in Lightning Strikes Across State
In a tragic development, 20 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in the last 24 hours. The fatalities were reported from Nalanda (5), Vaishali (4), Nawada (4), Banka (2), Patna (2), and one each in Aurangabad, Sheikhpura, and Jehanabad.
In Khusrupur (Patna district), emotional scenes unfolded as grieving family members mourned the death of a young man killed by lightning.
Weather Forecast for Patna
The capital city is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day, with forecasts of moderate to heavy rain. The minimum temperature is likely to hover around 26°C, while the maximum could reach 30–32°C. On Wednesday, light drizzle kept the weather in Patna pleasant.
24-Hour Rainfall Highlights
- Gaya: 180 mm (highest in the state)
- Begusarai: 166 mm
- Samastipur: 139 mm
- Jamui: 136 mm
- Saharsa: 126.8 mm
Rain was also recorded in Darbhanga, Bettiah, Buxar, Kishanganj, Katihar, Chapra, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Madhepura, Supaul, and Samastipur.
Persistent rainfall has caused waterlogging in Saharsa and Samastipur, while Motihari emerged as the hottest district at 34°C on Wednesday.
