Patna: The risk of flooding has increased in several districts of North Bihar, including Muzaffarpur, following flash-flood conditions in the catchment areas of Nepal.
According to technical experts, water released from Nepal’s catchment areas can take around 50 hours to reach the plains of Bihar. However, officials are concerned that the higher-than-normal flow and velocity of the incoming water could cause river levels to rise faster than expected.
The Water Resources Department and district administration are therefore maintaining continuous surveillance of major rivers, including the Gandak and Bagmati.
Administration steps up monitoring
Teams from the Water Resources Department are keeping a close watch on critical locations, including Valmikinagar and the Belwa Ghat regulator in Sheohar.
Officials are monitoring river water levels, flow rates and the condition of embankments to ensure that preventive measures can be taken promptly if the situation deteriorates.
Authorities consider the coming period crucial for flood preparedness because of the expected movement of water from Nepal into Bihar.
Gandak poses risk to low-lying areas
Low-lying areas along the Gandak River remain vulnerable to flooding.
The embankment near Ratanpur Deeh in Saraiya has been identified as a particularly sensitive location because of the possibility of localised erosion.
The administration is closely monitoring the site so that necessary intervention can be undertaken if rising water levels put additional pressure on the embankment.
Bagmati rise could affect three blocks
The incoming water from Nepal also has implications for the Bagmati River.
Officials are monitoring the possibility of a rise in the Bagmati’s water level following increased flow through the Belwa Ghat regulator in Sheohar. A significant rise could affect areas including Aurai, Katra and Gaighat.
If the Bagmati crosses its danger mark, the flood risk could also extend to areas linked to the Burhi Gandak River.
Residents urged to remain alert
With the flood threat developing, residents living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant.
The administration has urged people to rely on official information and move to safer locations without delay if evacuation becomes necessary.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as water from Nepal’s catchment areas moves towards the Bihar plains.
