Patna: The Ganga river’s water level is likely to cross the highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on the night of September 3, while a similar rise is forecast at Hathidah in Mokama on the afternoon of September 4, according to an alert issued by the Bihar Disaster Management Department.
The forecast was received from the Water Resources Department, which has predicted a further rise in the river’s water level.
The Disaster Management Department has urged residents living along the river and in low-lying areas of Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad to remain fully alert and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Residents Advised To Avoid River And Low-Lying Areas
The department has advised people not to visit rivers, ghats, embankments and low-lying areas unnecessarily as the water level is expected to rise.
Residents have also been asked to keep children, elderly people and persons with disabilities away from rivers and waterlogged areas.
People living in vulnerable locations have been advised to remain aware of the locations of safe shelters and relief camps identified by the administration and move there immediately if required.
Swimming, Boating And Risky Activities Discouraged
The department has asked people to completely avoid risky activities such as bathing or swimming in the river, unnecessary travel by boat and taking selfies near the water.
Authorities have also advised residents to keep essential items such as important documents, medicines, mobile phones, torches, drinking water and other necessities secure and ready to carry if evacuation becomes necessary.
Public Asked To Follow Official Information
The Disaster Management Department has appealed to residents not to pay attention to rumours and to rely only on information issued by the district administration and the Disaster Management Department.
If the water level rises further or a flood situation develops, residents have been asked to follow instructions issued by the administration and rescue teams immediately.
For emergencies, people can contact the local administration or the State Emergency Operation Centre on 1070.
