Patna: Bihar has stepped up vigilance along the Gandak River following reports of flash flooding in Nepal’s upper catchment area, triggering concerns over a sudden rise in water levels downstream. Authorities are preparing for a possible flash flood wave of up to around three metres.
The state government has directed officials in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali to remain on high alert and ensure that rescue and relief arrangements are ready.
Bagaha police issue alert amid rising water levels
The Superintendent of Police, Bagaha, has issued instructions to police stations and senior officers following reports of rising water levels linked to a landslide in Nepal’s Trishuli River.
Station House Officers, police inspectors and sub-divisional police officers have been directed to alert residents through loudspeakers and take necessary precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
Chief Secretary reviews flood preparedness
A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit to assess the situation and review the state’s preparedness.
District Magistrates and senior police officials from the concerned districts participated through video conferencing. Officials were directed to maintain continuous surveillance and keep rescue and relief arrangements fully operational.
Six districts placed under heightened vigilance
District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor Gandak water levels, embankments, low-lying areas, bridges, culverts and other vulnerable locations.
Besides the six districts directly identified as vulnerable, officials have also been asked to maintain close watch over sensitive areas, including Sitamarhi and Sheohar.
The water level of the Gandak in the Hajipur area has reportedly crossed the danger mark, adding to concerns over possible flooding.
Gandak Barrage and canal network under watch
The Water Resources Department has been directed to regulate water flow through the Gandak Barrage and its associated canal network.
Engineers and field officials have been instructed to continuously monitor the barrage, embankments and other critical infrastructure and take preventive measures wherever required.
NDRF and SDRF teams being pre-positioned
The state has begun preparations to deploy additional disaster-response teams in vulnerable areas.
An NDRF team is being sent to Gopalganj, while another has been kept on standby in Muzaffarpur. Arrangements are also being made to deploy an NDRF team in Bettiah within approximately two hours.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has also assured the administration that its Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and other resources will be made available if the situation requires additional assistance.
Boats, shelters and community kitchens to be kept ready
District administrations have been instructed to prepare evacuation plans for residents in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have also been directed to ensure the availability of boats, relief shelters and community kitchens so that people can be moved to safer locations quickly if the situation deteriorates.
Officials have been asked to prioritise early evacuation rather than waiting for the situation to become critical.
Flash floods in Nepal trigger concern downstream
The alert in Bihar follows reports of severe flash flooding in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, where settlements and infrastructure have reportedly suffered damage.
People living along riverbanks in the affected areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
The Bhote Koshi River joins the Trishuli River, which subsequently enters India as the Gandak, making developments in Nepal’s upper catchment important for downstream areas of Bihar.
Government appeals to people to remain alert
The Bihar government has appealed to residents to remain cautious but not panic.
People have been advised to rely only on official information issued by the administration and avoid spreading unverified reports or rumours.
All concerned departments have been placed on heightened alert, with instructions for continuous monitoring, coordination between agencies and timely communication with the public.
