Patna: The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for rainfall in 14 districts of Bihar, including Patna, along with a special warning about lightning strikes.
The remaining 24 districts are expected to experience comparatively normal weather, with temperatures in most areas likely to remain between 34°C and 36°C. The Meteorological Department has also forecast rain in several parts of the state on September 4.
Heavy rain reported across Bihar
Rain was reported in Patna, Lakhisarai, Purnia, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Araria and Munger on Monday.
Aurangabad recorded the highest rainfall, receiving 145 mm. Other significant rainfall totals included 67 mm in Buxar, 57 mm in Bhojpur, 57 mm in Rohtas and 48 mm in Gaya.
In Lakhisarai, heavy rain caused the sky to darken during the daytime.
Rising water disrupts movement
The weather has also affected transportation in several parts of the state.
In Jehanabad, a sudden rise in the Dardha River has caused water to flow over the Jafarganj Bridge, disrupting traffic. Water around two feet deep is reportedly flowing across the bridge, yet people continue to risk crossing it.
In Kishanganj’s Bahadurganj block, residents face severe difficulties transporting bodies to the Baisa graveyard because of the absence of a bridge over the Khakhwa stream.
On Monday, relatives reportedly had to swim across the stream while carrying the body of Shahnasvi Begum for burial. The lack of a bridge at Nodiya Toli-Baisa Ghat has left residents of dozens of villages dependent on the dangerous crossing.
In Buxar, rising water levels in the Ganga have put pressure on its tributaries. The Karmanasa River has risen around three feet above the road leading to Sikraul village, making travel difficult and forcing residents to negotiate the flooded route.
Rain to continue through September 4
Patna is likely to experience cloudy skies and rain on Tuesday, with heavy rainfall possible in some areas. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 32°C and 34°C.
The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated locations across several parts of Bihar from September 2 to September 4. Rainfall activity is expected to decrease from September 5.
The current spell has been attributed to the intensification of a weather system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which has also strengthened monsoon activity over Bihar.
Bihar still faces 40% rainfall deficit
Despite the recent heavy rainfall, Bihar continues to record a substantial monsoon deficit.
The state should have received 775.7 mm of rainfall by this point in the season but has recorded only 469.5 mm, leaving a deficit of around 40%.
The Meteorological Department had issued a warning for heavy rainfall at isolated locations across Bihar from August 31 to September 4, with the latest forecast indicating that the active phase of the monsoon is likely to continue for several more days.
