Patna: Sudden changes in weather conditions across North Bihar have led to widespread concern as the Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for rainfall in 18 districts today. Several regions experienced light drizzle accompanied by dark clouds this morning.
Even as the alert was sounded, the monsoon has weakened in large parts of the state. The Patna Meteorological Centre stated that 16 districts are unlikely to receive rain in the next 48 hours, though monsoon activity may pick up again from July 24.
3 Killed by Lightning in Darbhanga and Banka
Tragedy struck in Darbhanga and Banka districts where three people lost their lives due to lightning, while two women sustained burn injuries. The incident has highlighted the growing dangers posed by erratic weather conditions during the monsoon.
Ganga, Kosi, and Other Rivers Swell Amid Nepal Rains
Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Nepal has pushed several rivers in Bihar to dangerous levels. Rivers such as Ganga, Kosi, and Mahananda are in spate, with the Ganga flowing above the danger mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna by 41 cm. At Digha Ghat, the water level is just 13 cm below the danger line, though it is expected to recede by 18 cm.
In Buxar, the river is nearing the danger level, creating flood-like conditions in low-lying areas of Vaishali, Araria, Munger, and Buxar.
Dam Safety Alert Issued
With rising water levels, the Water Resources Department has issued an alert to ensure the safety of embankments along major rivers. Engineers have been directed to carry out round-the-clock monitoring and take immediate action if any cracks or leakages are detected.
Citizens are urged to report any dam-related concerns by calling the department’s toll-free helplines:
📞 1800-3456-145, 0612-2206669, 0612-2215850
Monsoon Deficit and Rainfall Disparity
Despite easterly winds, Bihar has received 44% less rainfall due to low atmospheric moisture. From June 17 to now, only 236.7 mm of rainfall has been recorded, against the normal 414.4 mm.
Regions like Araria, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Madhepura, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Samastipur, Saharsa, Saran, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Supaul, and West Champaran have seen up to 50% less rainfall.
However, Gaya district (Gayaji) has recorded 30% more rainfall, with 440.5 mm of rain against the normal 339.9 mm.
Heat and Humidity Add to Public Woes
The weakened monsoon has also intensified humid heat across the state. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 32°C and 36°C over the next 24 hours. Light clouds are likely, but intermittent sunshine will continue to cause discomfort, especially in districts like Patna.
Ban on Overloaded Boats in Ganga
In view of rising water levels, Patna District Magistrate Dr. Thyagarajan S.M. has imposed a ban on the operation of overloaded boats in the Ganga river. All SDOs and SDPOs have been directed to strictly monitor boat movement, and Chowkidars, Dafadars, and Magistrates have been deployed at the ghats.
Red flags and cloth markers are being placed at ghats to alert the public to the dangers posed by the swelling river.
