Chirag Gupta
Patna: Floods have hit 12 districts in Bihar, affecting around 2 lakh people across 20 blocks, following heavy rainfall in Nepal. The situation is expected to worsen as more water from Nepal flows into the plains. On Saturday, all 56 gates of the Kosi Barrage were opened, releasing 6.17 lakh cusecs of water—the second-highest release in 56 years. Due to concerns over the barrage’s safety, movement on the structure has been suspended since Friday afternoon.
Supaul and West Champaran districts are facing the brunt of the floods, with waterlogging affecting railway tracks in Araria, forcing the suspension of train services at Jogbani station. In addition, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and lightning for 15 districts. So far, four people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes.
Floodwaters have entered hundreds of homes in Supaul, submerging key roads like the Nirmali-Kunauli Main Road. Water from the Kosi River has also flooded areas near Asanpur Kupaha railway station. In Saharsa, several villages have been inundated, washing away a dozen homes, while Bettiah’s Sikta Higher Secondary School has turned into a pond. In Purnia, around 8,000 people are struggling with flood-related challenges.
Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that heavy rainfall in Nepal has led to rising water levels in rivers such as Kosi, Gandak, and Mahananda. He assured that officials and engineers are on high alert, working around the clock to protect embankments. Chaudhary urged residents living near these rivers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions.
The Water Resources Department has ordered 72-hour monitoring, with 1,200 people currently staying in relief camps across the flood-affected areas. More than 6.17 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Kosi Barrage, with rising water levels at the Gandak Barrage as well. Efforts to secure the embankments are ongoing as floodwaters continue to rise.
In separate incidents, four people, including a 17-year-old girl and a farmer, died due to lightning strikes. A horse was also killed in one of the incidents, adding to the devastation in the affected areas.
