Patna: Floodwaters have spread across 18 districts of Bihar, affecting more than 6.65 lakh people, as several major rivers continue to flow above their respective danger marks. The Ganga remains above the danger level at all three gauge points in Patna, while the situation is also worsening in parts of Bhagalpur and north Bihar.
The rise in the Ganga’s water level in Patna has slowed over the past 24 hours. The river rose by 10 cm at Digha, 11 cm at Gandhi Ghat and 21 cm at Hathidah. However, water levels at all three locations remain above the danger mark.
Nine rivers in Bihar are currently flowing above the danger level. The Punpun River recorded a rise of 28 cm over the past 24 hours and is flowing 2.57 metres above the danger mark at Sripalpur.
Ganga rising rapidly in Bhagalpur
The Ganga is rising at a rate of around 2 cm per hour in Bhagalpur, increasing pressure on the Raghopur-Kajikoraiya embankment.
According to the Water Resources Department, the river’s water level in Bhagalpur rose by 46 cm in the past 24 hours. It has crossed the danger mark by 32 cm for the first time, while at Kahalgaon, the Ganga is flowing 82 cm above the danger level.
The state government has started operating 693 government boats in flood-affected areas.
Four major rivers above danger mark in north Bihar
Several rivers in north Bihar continue to remain above the danger level.
- Kosi: 124 cm above the danger mark at Baltara in Khagaria and 80 cm above at Kursela in Katihar.
- Gandak: 75 cm above the danger mark at Dumaria in Gopalganj and 9 cm above at Hajipur.
- Budhi Gandak: 111 cm above the danger mark in Khagaria.
- Ghaghra: 32 cm above the danger mark at Darauli in Siwan.
Floodwaters enter villages in Samastipur
The flood situation has also become serious in Samastipur as the Ganga continues to rise.
Several villages, including Dumri in Mohanpur block, have been inundated, with water reportedly reaching 4 to 5 feet in some areas.
Rain, lightning likely in several districts
According to the Meteorological Centre, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa and Madhepura may receive rain on Saturday. There is also a possibility of lightning during thunderstorms in these districts.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled across Bihar until September 9. Weather conditions may change suddenly in East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan and Saran, where heavy rain accompanied by lightning is possible.
Weather experts said high moisture levels in the atmosphere, combined with rising daytime temperatures, could lead to rapid localised cloud development. As a result, some parts of a district may receive heavy rain while nearby areas experience only cloudy or humid conditions.
Patna likely to remain humid
Patna is expected to receive sunshine during the morning, which could increase the feeling of humidity. Cloudy conditions are likely to persist, with brief spells of rain possible.
The city recorded 22 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. However, the expected rain may provide limited relief from the prevailing humidity.
Bihar rainfall deficit remains a concern
Despite good rainfall in some districts over the past 24 hours, Bihar continues to face a significant monsoon rainfall deficit.
Araria recorded 51 mm of rain, followed by Nalanda with 50 mm, Katihar with 41 mm, Gopalganj with 36 mm and Patna with 22 mm.
Bihar has received 517.9 mm of rainfall so far against the normal expected rainfall of 803.7 mm, resulting in a deficit of around 36%.
The combination of a significant rainfall deficit and rising river levels has created a contrasting flood situation in the state, with some areas battling inundation while others continue to experience inadequate monsoon rainfall.
