Patna: The impact of Cyclone Montha, originating from the Bay of Bengal, is being felt across several parts of Bihar. Since late Thursday night, heavy rain has lashed Patna, Buxar, and Samastipur, continuing into Friday morning. In Buxar, all private schools have been closed due to the continuous downpour.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a rain alert has been issued for 24 districts, including Patna. Very heavy rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours, accompanied by wind speeds reaching up to 65 km/h. The department has also warned of rain and lightning over the next three days, until November 2. After this spell, the weather is expected to turn dry across the state, but nighttime temperatures are likely to drop, intensifying the cold.
On Thursday, intermittent rain was recorded in at least 12 districts, including Patna, while heavy rainfall occurred in Buxar, Bettiah, Bhojpur, and Kishanganj. The continuous rain has led to a six-degree drop in the maximum temperature across Bihar.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Nepal is also witnessing the effects of Cyclone Montha, with continuous rain and snowfall reported in several regions. The Nepal Meteorological Department has issued flood and landslide alerts for 26 districts, raising fresh concerns about potential flooding in parts of Bihar due to water inflow from upstream areas.
Signs of Increasing Cold in Bihar
Weather experts predict that after this rainy phase, mild humidity will persist for a few days before temperatures rise slightly. However, from the first week of November, colder conditions are expected to set in as northwesterly winds start blowing, causing a steady drop in night temperatures.
Satellite images show that Cyclone Montha has covered an area of nearly 300 km, impacting large parts of eastern India and Nepal.
Election Campaign Hit by Rain
The effects of Cyclone Montha have gone beyond weather disruptions, affecting political activities during the ongoing election season in Bihar. Continuous rain and waterlogging have forced several major rallies to be cancelled or postponed.
Public meetings by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Saran district had to be called off on Wednesday due to heavy rain. Both were scheduled to address rallies in Chhapra, Umdha, and Parsa. Similarly, in Bhabua, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s helicopter was unable to land due to poor visibility, leading to the cancellation of his rally.
These disruptions have affected campaign strategies of major political parties, as candidates in several districts were compelled to postpone their public engagements.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees or electric poles, and remain alert for weather updates. Local administrations have been instructed to stay on standby for emergency response and rescue operations.
