Patna: The southwest monsoon remained active across Bihar on Thursday, bringing intermittent rainfall to several districts, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Khagaria and Samastipur since late Wednesday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for nine districts, including Patna, while a yellow alert has been sounded for 26 districts.
According to the weather department, strong winds of up to 40 kmph and lightning are likely in several parts of the state. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during thunderstorms and periods of intense rainfall.
The IMD has forecast that the wet spell will continue across Bihar until August 8, with isolated places expected to receive heavy rainfall. Cloudy skies and intermittent showers are likely in Patna and several other districts over the next few days.
Lightning Deaths Reported
The adverse weather has already claimed two lives. In Simra village under Khaira police station in Jamui district, an elderly man died after being struck by lightning. In Munger district, a 45-year-old woman also lost her life in a lightning strike.
Waterlogging in Several Districts
Heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in many parts of Bihar.
In Sitamarhi, intense showers led to severe waterlogging, with roads submerged under 4 to 5 feet of water in several localities.
In Siwan, just one hour of heavy rain transformed several areas of the town into waterlogged zones, with knee-deep water reported on roads.
Bagaha also witnessed persistent heavy rainfall since Wednesday morning.
Ropeway Disrupted in Rajgir
In Rajgir, Nalanda district, lightning caused a technical failure in the electronic systems of the ropeway on Tuesday evening. As a result, 18 ropeway cabins came to a halt mid-air, leaving 32 tourists stranded for nearly an hour before they were safely rescued.
Flood-Like Situation in Araria
Continuous rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region has triggered flood-like conditions in Araria district. Rainwater has entered homes in Ward No. 3 of Palasi block, while the area’s only bamboo bridge connecting the village has been submerged. Local authorities have shifted residents to safer locations.
Rain Likely for Next Four Days
The weather department said Patna is expected to remain cloudy with intermittent rainfall throughout Thursday. Heavy showers may occur in isolated pockets.
For the next three to four days, most districts across north, central and south Bihar are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Some areas may also witness heavy rainfall and lightning.
Meteorologists attributed the ongoing weather activity to an active monsoon trough over and around Bihar, coupled with a continuous inflow of moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Rainfall Still Below Normal
Despite widespread rainfall over the past 24 hours, Bihar continues to face a seasonal rainfall deficit.
The highest rainfall during the last 24 hours was recorded in Madhubani (135 mm), followed by Purnia (119 mm), Gaya (114 mm), Khagaria (101 mm) and Katihar (99 mm).
The continuous rain has caused waterlogging in several districts. However, cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season remains 38% below normal, according to official data.
Samastipur Receives 68 mm Rainfall
Samastipur has been witnessing intermittent rainfall for the past two days. During the last 24 hours, the district recorded 68 mm of rainfall. The rainfall has also brought down temperatures, with the maximum temperature settling at 30°C and the minimum at 24°C.
