Patna: Monsoon conditions remain active across Bihar, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heavy rainfall and lightning in 25 districts on Wednesday. Winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h are also expected in these areas.
The Disaster Management Department has urged residents to remain indoors, avoid open fields, and stay alert to possible lightning strikes.
Persistent Rainfall and Lightning Risk
According to the Patna Meteorological Center, the monsoon is far from over. Meteorologist Ashish Kumar stated that the monsoon trough line currently passes over Chhapra and Valmiki Nagar, while another trough cuts across northeast Bihar. “These systems are likely to bring continued rainfall for at least the next seven days,” he said.
Though many regions witnessed below-average rainfall in June and July, experts believe the deficit may be compensated in August. Still, Bihar has recorded 26% less rainfall than normal so far. While the state should have received around 545 mm of rainfall, only 403.1 mm has been registered until now.
Siwan Records Highest Rainfall in 24 Hours
Over the last 24 hours, several districts have seen intense rainfall. Siwan topped the list with 90.4 mm, followed by Madhubani and East Champaran (75.6 mm), Nalanda (74.8 mm), Katihar (71.4 mm), and Purnia (67.6 mm). Nalanda was also the hottest district, with a maximum temperature of 34.5°C.
In a rare weather event, Purnia recorded 270.6 mm of rainfall between Sunday and Monday — the highest in 38 years. The last record was set in 1987, with 294.9 mm of rain.
Ganga Swells; Flood-Like Conditions Reported
Rainfall in upstream states such as Uttarakhand has led to a significant rise in the water level of the Ganga river in Bihar. Floodwaters have entered several low-lying areas, including parts of Patna and Bhojpur. In Fatuha, Patna, the local crematorium is submerged, forcing grieving families to perform last rites along the roadside.
Flood-like conditions have also been reported in Bhojpur, where 71 schools have been shut until August 9. In Bettiah, Gandak river water has flooded roads up to four feet deep.
Infrastructure Challenges Continue
Local infrastructure remains under strain. A culvert on the Badshahi Pain in Sheikhpura, Ramakrishnanagar (Patna), has been broken for nearly two years, yet residents continue to navigate it daily, risking their safety.
Government on High Alert
Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that the Ganga’s water level has risen significantly at several locations due to inflows from rivers in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. “We are monitoring upstream regions like Banaras and Prayagraj. The water level may begin to decline gradually over the next 24 hours,” he said.
Chaudhary emphasized that the department is fully prepared to handle any emergency. “All engineers, technical teams, and district-level officers are in alert mode. Embankments are being patrolled, necessary repairs are underway, and relief materials are stocked.”
Public Advisory Issued
Authorities have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with disaster management protocols. The government’s focus, Chaudhary added, is on safeguarding lives and minimizing damage. “In case of any flood situation, we have ensured advance preparedness for relief and rescue operations.”
