Floods Hit Nalanda as Embankment Breach Swamps Dozen Villages

Patna: Residents of parts of Nalanda district are grappling with severe flooding after a significant breach in an embankment along the Lokain River inundated more than a dozen villages. The breach occurred near Dhuri Bigha village following heavy rains in neighbouring Jharkhand, leading to the river water surging into surrounding fields and communities.

The crisis intensified as floodwaters breached a 20-foot section of the embankment, flooding fields and cutting off access to villages including Phulwaria and Sohrapur. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed to assist with the emergency response.

Compounding the situation, the water level in the Ganga has risen markedly in Bhagalpur, increasing by 15 cm over the past two days. Several Ganga ghats, including those at Sultanganj, are perilously close to reaching the danger mark. The district administration has increased barricading and arranged for boats to ensure the safety of pilgrims attending the Shravani Mela.

Despite the ongoing monsoon activity, which has brought light rains to Patna and surrounding areas, the Meteorological Centre warns of a significant rainfall deficit this season. With only 371.2 mm of rain recorded so far against the expected 538.2 mm, Bihar remains 31 percent short of its usual monsoon precipitation.

The persistent rainfall has led to the formation of a low-pressure system over the Ganga region, raising hopes of more substantial downpours that could benefit the state’s farmers but also pose further flooding risks.