Patna: Bihar is bracing for severe weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for 29 districts over the next 24 hours, following the impact of Cyclone Montha. Intermittent rainfall has been disrupting life across the state since Thursday, with areas along the Ganges particularly affected. Strong winds and downpours have brought a noticeable chill to the region.
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in seven districts—East Champaran, Shivhar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj—prompting an orange alert. Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for 22 other districts, including West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Munger, Sheikhpura, Banka, Jamui, Nawada, and Gaya. These areas are expected to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
The persistent rainfall is worsening the plight of farmers. Unseasonal showers over the past three days have damaged harvested paddy fields and caused waterlogging in plots prepared for Rabi crops. Mustard, potato, and maize sowing has been delayed, with only around 25% of these crops sown so far. Farmers expressed frustration over the losses, noting that despite hard work and loans invested in cultivation, extreme weather at harvest time threatens to ruin their crops.
