Patna: Bihar is reeling under intense monsoon conditions as heavy rains lash several parts of the state, triggering flood-like situations, record-breaking rainfall, and tragic loss of lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Gopalganj, Kishanganj, and West Champaran, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Seventeen other districts remain under yellow alert, including the capital Patna.
Heavy Rain Likely Till August 10
According to the Meteorological Centre in Patna, the monsoon will remain active across Bihar till August 10. The next 24 hours, especially August 6, are expected to bring heavy rainfall in North and East Bihar, which may worsen the situation in already affected districts.
Purnia Sees Heaviest Rain in 38 Years
The city of Purnia witnessed 270.6 mm of rainfall from Sunday to Monday—the highest in 38 years, surpassing previous figures recorded in 1987. The unprecedented rain has left many areas waterlogged and disrupted normal life.
Ganga Near Danger Mark in Multiple Districts
The Ganga river is swelling dangerously in Buxar, Bhojpur, and Patna, hovering just below the danger mark. In Bhojpur, the administration has declared a flood-like situation, prompting the closure of 71 government schools till August 9.
Rainfall Snapshot: Widespread Impact
In the last 24 hours, rainfall has been recorded in at least 12 districts, including Patna, Siwan, Motihari, and Darbhanga. In Banka, a 30-year record was broken, bringing back flood conditions not seen since 1995.
- In Buxar, water has risen over 3 feet on the state highway, cutting off connectivity in several areas.
- The Ganga crossed the danger level in Begusarai, raising fears of further flooding.
- In Samastipur, heavy rainfall washed away a diversion near the Bhadoghat bridge in Warisnagar block, severely disrupting traffic.
- In Lakhisarai, the Sadar Hospital premises were submerged, posing risks to patient care.
- A dam breach in Banka has led to the inundation of farmland, causing extensive crop damage.
Tragic Loss of Lives
Continuous rains have also resulted in tragedies. In Siwan, a father-daughter duo died after a wall collapsed on them. Lightning strikes claimed the lives of seven people across various districts.
