Patna: The flood situation in Bihar remains serious, with around 44 lakh people in 2,360 villages across 14 districts affected by floodwaters. Eight rivers in the state are currently flowing above their respective danger levels, according to the latest situation report.
As many as 27,954 people have been shifted to relief camps amid the flooding. In Navagachhia’s Rangra block, floodwaters from the Kosi river came under pressure at Murli village around 11 pm, with the situation reportedly threatening the Rella embankment and nearby areas towards Naya and Sadhopur villages.
More than 50,000 people in the Jahangirpur Baisi panchayat are facing a potential flood threat, according to local reports.
Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall said families that have remained stranded for five days would be provided financial assistance of Rs 7,000 through their bank accounts.
In Danapur, flood-affected residents were seen wading through shoulder-deep water to collect ration.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department’s Patna Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for light rain in nine districts in southeastern Bihar and the Seemanchal region. Light rain is likely at isolated places in these districts.
Kosi water level stabilising
The water level of the Kosi river is gradually stabilising, while around 78,000 cusecs of water has reportedly been released from the Valmikinagar Barrage.
In Bhojpur district, a youth reportedly died after drowning in floodwaters.
Low-pressure system may bring light rain
Weather experts said a low-pressure area has formed over the adjoining areas of the northwest and west-central Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. An associated cyclonic circulation is tilted southwestwards with height and is likely to strengthen further over the next 24 hours.
The system may move west-northwestwards, potentially bringing moisture into parts of Bihar and resulting in light rain in some areas. However, widespread or heavy rainfall is not currently expected across the state.
Humid weather likely in Patna
Patna is likely to remain hot and humid during the day, with the possibility of cloud cover developing in the evening. The maximum temperature is not expected to change significantly across most parts of Bihar over the next two to three days, while minimum temperatures are also likely to remain broadly stable over the next five days.
Several parts of Bihar received significant rainfall during the past 24 hours. Aurangabad recorded the highest rainfall at 123 mm, followed by Jamui at 76 mm, Bhagalpur at 74 mm, Rohtas at 60 mm and Madhepura at 53 mm.
Despite the recent rainfall, Bihar has recorded 34% less rainfall than normal during the current monsoon season. Against the normal rainfall of 858.9 mm expected by September 11, the state has received 564.6 mm so far.
Over 1.17 lakh farmers receive crop assistance
Meanwhile, Cooperation Minister Ramkripal Yadav announced the distribution of financial assistance to farmers who suffered Kharif crop losses under the Bihar State Crop Assistance Scheme.
According to the minister, around 1,17,708 beneficiary farmers have received a total of Rs 104.46 crore in assistance.
The scheme aims to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop losses and is funded entirely by the state government. Farmers are not required to pay any premium to avail themselves of the scheme.
Under the scheme, farmers are provided assistance of Rs 7,500 per hectare when crop yield declines by up to 20%, and Rs 10,000 per hectare when the decline exceeds 20%.
