Patna: Bihar is facing worsening flood conditions as heavy rainfall in neighbouring states and Nepal has caused major rivers, including the Ganga, Kosi and Gandak, to swell above danger levels. In Patna, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon, the Ganga has already crossed the red mark, with the water level expected to rise further in Buxar within 24 hours. In Patna’s Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga was recorded 20 cm above the danger level on Saturday.
The Kosi river has breached the danger mark in Khagaria, while the Punpun is flowing above safe levels in Patna. Rising trends are being observed in Supaul, Saharsa and other districts, where the Budhi Gandak, Kamla Balan, Son, Mahananda and Ghaghra rivers are also posing threats. Authorities have predicted a 10 to 48 cm rise in water levels in the coming days.
The Water Resources Department has issued an alert and instructed engineers to monitor river embankments round the clock.
In Jhajha, part of the Barmasiya bridge collapsed on Saturday, cutting off access to dozens of villages in Jhajha and Sono blocks. A villager in Barakola Panchayat also died after his thatched house collapsed during heavy rain.
In Munger, a diversion built over the Dangri river at Kachhi Mor was washed away for the third time this monsoon, disrupting road connectivity.
MLA Tej Pratap Yadav visited erosion-affected Jawainia village, criticising local leaders for lack of development and infrastructure. He stated, “If the local MLA had prioritised development, the village wouldn’t be suffering like this.”
