Patna: Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of Bihar on Sunday as the flood situation worsened in multiple districts, affecting more than 6.65 lakh people across 18 districts, including Patna.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast continued rain across North and East Bihar, with 24 districts under weather alerts and heavy rainfall likely in some areas.
Orange alert in seven districts
An orange alert has been issued for Supaul, Araria, Saharsa, Madhepura, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar, where weather conditions are expected to deteriorate.
Heavy rainfall warnings have specifically been issued for Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar. Continued rain could increase the risk of waterlogging and flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
A yellow alert is in place for 17 districts: West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui and Banka.
Strong winds of around 40 kmph, along with thunderstorms and lightning, are possible in these districts. Residents have been advised to exercise caution during adverse weather.
Patna to remain cloudy
Weather conditions in Patna are expected to remain unsettled through September 9.
The capital is likely to experience cloudy skies, with light rain possible in some areas and a chance of lightning. Between September 6 and 9, the maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 32-33°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to range between 26°C and 27°C.
Light rain is also likely in Bhojpur, Buxar, Gaya, Nalanda and Aurangabad.
Kaimur recorded Bihar’s highest maximum temperature on Saturday at 36.9°C, followed by Aurangabad at 35.5°C and Gaya at 33.8°C.
Nautan in Siwan recorded the state’s highest rainfall in the preceding 24 hours at 80.8 mm.
Nine rivers above danger mark
The continuing rainfall and rising river levels have intensified the flood situation.
The Punpun River has risen by 28 cm in the past 24 hours. At Sripalpur, it is flowing 2.57 metres above the danger mark, raising concerns in surrounding areas.
The Ganga is also above the danger level at several locations. In Bhagalpur, it is flowing 32 cm above the danger mark, while at Kahalgaon the level is 82 cm above the danger mark.
In Khagaria, residents in affected areas are moving towards safer locations, with some also taking their livestock with them.
Embankment breach, roads submerged
In Saran’s Dighwara, a section of the Mahi River embankment has breached, allowing floodwater to spread into nearby areas.
Floodwaters have also reached NH-19 in Chhapra, disrupting road traffic.
In Begusarai’s Simaria Bind Toli, more than 1,000 houses have been submerged. Six blocks in Munger have been affected by the rising Ganga, while roads in the Lal Darwaza area are under 3-4 feet of water.
Floods disrupt Patna-Gaya rail services
The flood situation has also affected railway operations.
Near Jat Dumri on the Patna-Gaya rail section, water from the Punpun River has reached Bridge No. 21. The Railways has suspended operations on the down line as a safety precaution.
Several trains have been diverted or are running late.
The Ganga Damodar Express (13330/13329) will operate via Fatuha, Islampur and Tilaiya, while the Buddha Purnima Express (15138/15137) has been diverted to operate from Patna via Ara and Buxar.
Several other trains are reportedly running three to four hours late.
Rail operations are expected to return to normal only after the water level recedes and the affected tracks undergo safety inspections and are declared fit for traffic.
With heavy rain forecast to continue in parts of the state and multiple rivers remaining above danger levels, authorities are maintaining close watch over flood-affected areas and critical infrastructure.
