Heavy Rainfall in Bihar: 32 Districts on Alert, Severe Weather Causes Destruction and Disruptions
Patna: Heavy rains have lashed several parts of Bihar, causing widespread disruption and damage. An orange alert has been issued for Kishanganj, with heavy rainfall forecasted. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of severe weather in Patna and Gaya over the next 48 hours, with monsoon activity expected to continue until July 11.
Early Saturday morning saw heavy downpours in Patna, Ara, and Madhubani, leaving many areas waterlogged and cloudy skies across several cities. The road near Gate No. 8 of Gandhi Maidan in Patna collapsed due to the intense rainfall, exacerbating the situation. In Begusarai, schools were flooded, making it difficult for children to reach their classes. Overnight rain turned the roads in Samastipur into lakes, creating severe traffic disruptions.
Lightning strikes on Friday claimed the lives of 17 people across Jehanabad, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. Additionally, rising water levels in several rivers, including the Ganga and Gandak, have put many districts on high alert.
A trough line passing over Bihar, coupled with cyclonic circulation over western Jharkhand, has resulted in widespread rainfall across the state. While some areas experienced light rain, others were hit with heavy showers. The IMD has predicted heavy rain in Patna, Gaya, West-East Champaran, and adjacent districts over the next 48 hours.
The continuous rain is expected to keep the maximum temperature from rising in the coming days. On Friday, Patna recorded 36.2 mm of rainfall. Siwan experienced the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, with 94.2 mm, according to the Patna Meteorological Office.