Patna: As the monsoon strengthens over Bihar, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for 31 districts, warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been sounded in 20 districts, while 11 districts are under a yellow alert, signaling moderate weather-related risk.
While most of Bihar is bracing for heavy downpours, Patna is expected to be spared. The capital city remains under overcast skies with intermittent drizzle, but meteorologists say there is no likelihood of heavy rain in the next week. This weather pattern is attributed to the current position of the trough line, which is located in South Bihar, directing winds from the east to the north and limiting rainfall activity over Patna.
Rainfall Statistics and Affected Districts
In the last 24 hours, Forbesganj in Araria district recorded the highest rainfall at 132.4 mm. Other notable rainfall figures include:
- Kishanganj: 78 mm
- Sitamarhi: 68 mm
- Rohtas: 54.6 mm
- Bhagalpur: 54.2 mm
Meteorologist Anand Shankar explained that regions along the trough line, currently extending through South Bihar, are receiving significantly more rain. Areas from Gayaji, Nawada, and Jamui to North and East Bihar are experiencing intense showers.
Rising Water Levels, Flood Fears
The Kosi river’s water level is rising, and on Sunday night, a canal dam broke in Gopalpur, Siwan, raising alarms. In Raxaul, the road connecting India and Nepal is submerged under two feet of water, severely disrupting transport.
Due to continuous rainfall in Nepal, downstream effects are being felt in Bihar. The Bagmati river in Muzaffarpur is in spate, prompting authorities to ban the movement of heavy vehicles on the Katra Pipa (pontoon) Bridge. If water levels continue to rise, over 20 villages may lose direct access to Katra block headquarters, forcing residents to either take a 50-km detour or rely on boats for commuting.
In Jehanabad and Nalanda, rising river waters, worsened by four days of rain in Jharkhand, have damaged embankments and dams at six locations, intensifying flood fears.
Human Impact and Precautions
Officials estimate that up to 2 lakh people could be affected if water levels continue to rise. Panic is spreading in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Local administrations have been put on high alert, and disaster response teams are monitoring the situation.
