Patna: Flooding has affected around 2.03 lakh people across six districts of Bihar following heavy rainfall in Nepal, which has caused the Gandak, Kosi and other rivers to swell. Multiple embankment breaches have inundated low-lying areas, while rising water levels in the Ganga have increased the flood threat in Patna, Begusarai and Khagaria.
Six embankments have reportedly been breached across six locations in the state, including areas in Saran, Gopalganj and West Champaran. The situation has worsened in several villages as floodwater enters residential areas.
In Saran district, the main Saran embankment breached at two locations near Baghakol and Hajalpur in Maker, with the combined breach extending approximately 160 feet. A house in Hajalpur village, reportedly belonging to Sunil Singh, was swept away by the strong current after the embankment gave way.
In Gopalganj, the pressure from the Gandak River caused a breach in the zamindari embankment in Baikunthpur. In West Champaran, embankments were breached at Khairtawa in Bagaha, Phulia Khand in Bairia and Golaghat Bhawanipur in Yogapatti, flooding surrounding areas.
Another breach was reported at Jaimal Dumri in the Paroo block of Muzaffarpur district.
Two leopards spotted in swollen Gandak River
The strong current of the Gandak River in Saran also led to an unusual sight, with two leopards spotted being swept along by the floodwater.
According to the available account, one leopard managed to swim to the riverbank and climb a tree, while the second was carried further downstream by the current. Further details about their condition were not immediately available.
Ganga rises in Patna, Begusarai and Khagaria
The water level of the Ganga is rising rapidly from Patna towards Begusarai and Khagaria, increasing concerns about flooding in riverside areas.
In Patna, several river ghats have been submerged again, with the Ganga flowing above the danger mark. In Begusarai, the river’s water level was reportedly rising by around 2 cm every hour, raising the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Authorities and residents in low-lying areas face the challenge of dealing with rising water levels even as rainfall activity is expected to weaken.
Rainfall above normal in 13 districts
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Patna office, Khagaria recorded the highest rainfall in Bihar during the 24 hours preceding the latest update, receiving 36.2 mm. This was 474% above normal for the period.
Munger recorded 29 mm of rainfall, 339% above normal, while Lakhisarai received 24.7 mm, 257% above normal.
Other districts reporting rainfall significantly above normal included:
- Begusarai: 19.2 mm, 237% above normal
- Bhagalpur: 19.8 mm, 196% above normal
- Banka: 21.1 mm, 152% above normal
- Rohtas: 10.5 mm, 155% above normal
- Arwal: 12 mm, 88% above normal
- Gopalganj: 15.4 mm, 79% above normal
Aurangabad, Siwan, West Champaran, Madhepura, Gaya, Saharsa, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Nalanda, Patna and Vaishali also recorded rainfall between 16% and 49% above normal.
However, rainfall remained below normal in several districts, particularly in the Seemanchal region. Araria received 2.7 mm, 79% below normal, while Kishanganj recorded 3.9 mm and Purnia 4.4 mm, representing deficits of 77% and 71%, respectively. Katihar received 9.6 mm, 29% below normal.
Shivhar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga also recorded below-normal rainfall.
Bihar still has a 32% seasonal rainfall deficit
Despite heavy rainfall in some districts, Bihar has received 678.9 mm of rainfall during the current monsoon season so far, against the normal cumulative rainfall of 992.8 mm for the same period.
This represents a 32% rainfall deficit across the state.
The uneven distribution of rainfall, combined with heavy rain in Nepal and rising river levels, has contributed to the current flood situation in several districts.
Weather forecast: Sunshine and humidity likely on October 1
The weather is expected to remain relatively normal across Bihar on Thursday, October 1, as monsoon activity weakens and no strong weather system is currently active over the state.
With rainfall activity expected to decrease, sunshine is likely to become more prominent during the day. The maximum temperature may rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, while high humidity is likely to make conditions uncomfortable.
Meteorologists have attributed the expected rise in discomfort to the combination of surface heating and moisture left in the atmosphere after recent rainfall.
According to the weather forecast, no weather warning has been issued for Bihar for October 1 and 2. However, thunderstorms and other storm-related activity are possible in parts of the state between October 3 and 6.
Meanwhile, fog was reported in Raxaul, near the India-Nepal border, on Thursday morning. The area had experienced continuous rainfall over the previous few days, but conditions were dry at the time of the latest update.
Note: The report retains the figures and dates provided in the source material. The exact number of affected districts and breached embankments should be cross-checked against the latest official disaster management bulletin before publication, as the supplied account mentions six districts, six breach locations and additional district-level incidents.
