Patna: Rainfall continued across Bihar for the third consecutive day on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for 19 districts amid forecasts of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.
Several districts are witnessing rising river levels and waterlogging following rainfall in Bihar and upstream areas of Nepal. The Kosi and Bagmati rivers are flowing above their respective danger marks, while the Gandak river is also witnessing a rise in water levels.
In Supaul, floodwaters have spread to around 50 villages located within the embankments, with water reaching the courtyards of several houses. Residents in some areas are using boats to move towards safer locations.
In Muzaffarpur, the Bagmati river has crossed the danger mark at Benibad, while the rising water level of the Gandak and Burhi Gandak rivers has also raised concerns.
In Bagaha in West Champaran, the water discharge from the Valmikinagar Gandak barrage has increased significantly. Officials said 2,67,200 cusecs of water was being released from the barrage on Saturday morning, compared with around 54,000 cusecs on Wednesday. The discharge could cross three lakh cusecs, increasing the flood risk for settlements along the Gandak.
19 districts under rain alert
The weather system has brought intermittent rain to several parts of Bihar. Patna, Samastipur, Khagaria, Begusarai, Chhapra, Nalanda, Bagaha and Banka have recorded spells of rain over the past 24 hours.
The weather department has forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of Bihar on September 26. Cloudy conditions, rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue in several areas.
144 mm rain recorded in Sitamarhi
Bihar received heavy rainfall in several locations during the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall was recorded at Dhengbridge in Sitamarhi, where 144 mm of rain was recorded.
Other significant rainfall figures include:
- Baltara, Khagaria: 116.2 mm
- Jhanjharpur, Madhubani: 110.6 mm
- Bagaha, West Champaran: 98.2 mm
- Khagaria: 97 mm
Patna recorded 39.8 mm rainfall until 5:30 pm on Friday. The maximum temperature fell to 27.3°C, around 4.7°C below normal.
The forecast for Patna on Saturday indicates cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 28°C, while the minimum could be around 24°C. Gusty winds accompanied by thunderstorms are also possible.
Kosi discharge crosses 3.16 lakh cusecs
At 7 am on Saturday, 3,16,795 cusecs of water was released from the Kosi barrage.
Following rainfall in Nepal, the Kosi river has witnessed a rise in water levels. On Friday, around 2.65 lakh cusecs of water was released into the Kosi from the Birpur barrage.
At Basua in Supaul, the river level rose by 12 cm over the past 24 hours. At Baltara in Khagaria, the level increased by 26 cm, with the Kosi flowing 49 cm above the danger mark.
The Gandak is also rising. Around 1.29 lakh cusecs of water was being released into the river from the Valmikinagar barrage. The water level at Chatia in West Champaran rose by 14 cm, while a 24-cm rise was recorded at Dumariya Ghat in Gopalganj over the past 24 hours.
The Bagmati river at Benibad in Muzaffarpur has risen to around 2 cm above the danger mark. Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas along the riverbanks.
Two deaths reported in rain- and flood-related incidents
In Khagaria’s Beldaur block, 10-year-old Shivam Kumar died after the wall of a mud house collapsed during heavy rain.
In Araria, the water level of the Baluahi Dhar rose suddenly following continuous rainfall in Nepal. Two women died after reportedly drowning in the Manikpur panchayat area.
Flight diverted from Patna to Kolkata
Heavy rain in Patna also affected flight operations. An Air India Express flight operating from Delhi to Patna was unable to land at Patna airport due to adverse weather conditions and was diverted to Kolkata.
Why is Bihar receiving continuous rain?
The recent change in weather is being attributed to increased moisture in the atmosphere along with the influence of weather systems over the region.
The combination has led to cloud formation over different parts of Bihar, resulting in continued rain, thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Bihar has received 33% less rain this monsoon
Despite the recent spells of heavy rainfall, Bihar has recorded 33% less rainfall than normal during the current monsoon season.
The state was expected to receive around 959.4 mm of rainfall so far, against which 646.7 mm has been recorded. The cumulative deficit is around 312.7 mm.
Rain may ease from September 27
According to the forecast, heavy rain and thunderstorms may continue in Bihar on September 26. Weather conditions are expected to become comparatively normal from September 27, although isolated areas could still receive light rain or thundershowers.
September 26: Cloudy skies, moderate rain and lightning
September 27: Partly cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain
September 28: Partly cloudy skies with possibility of rain or thunderstorms
With rivers continuing to rise in northern Bihar, authorities are keeping a close watch on embankments, vulnerable settlements and other flood-prone areas.
