Bihar Grapples with Heavy Rainfall and Rising Water Levels

Patna: Monsoon rains are causing widespread disruption across Bihar, with significant downpours reported in Patna and Katihar on Sunday. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for 26 districts in the state, warning of further heavy rainfall.

The situation is particularly dire in Bagaha, where incessant rains in Nepal have led to rising water levels in the Gandak River, creating a flood crisis. Low-lying areas are submerged, affecting a population of 5,000. The road from Nainaha Dhala to Nainaha village has been washed away, bringing traffic to a halt and isolating communities.

Muzaffarpur is experiencing flood-like conditions due to continuous rain, with schools inundated and residents struggling as water invades their homes, disrupting daily life and cooking.

In Bhagalpur, over 24 villages are grappling with floods as the Ganga River’s water level rises. Northern Bihar’s rivers, including the Ghaghra, Gandak, Bagmati, Kamala Balan, Kosi, Mahananda, and Parman, are all above the danger mark, exacerbating the flooding.

Tragically, 25 people have lost their lives to lightning strikes across Bihar in the last 48 hours.

The persistent rains in Nepal’s Terai region have further swollen the Gandak River, flooding the lower areas of Bagaha. The villages of Nainha, Gadiyani Tola, Birta, Madarhawa, Sisai, and Chiurhi are heavily impacted, with residents taking refuge on higher ground.

In Patna, the Ganga River has risen by 32 cm at Digha Ghat and 21 cm at Gandhi Ghat in the past 24 hours. The danger mark at Digha Ghat is 50.45 meters, and the current water level is 47.99 meters, steadily increasing. At Gandhi Ghat, the red mark is at 48.60 meters, while the Ganga is flowing at 47.41 meters, also rising continuously.

Bagaha faces a flood emergency due to the swelling Gandak River. The destruction of the road from Nainaha Dhala to Nainaha village has exacerbated the isolation and difficulties faced by residents. Bhagalpur’s flood situation remains critical, with more than 24 villages affected.