Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh rain alert across Bihar as the southwest monsoon remains active over the state. An orange alert has been issued for Supaul and Araria, where heavy rainfall is expected, while residents across Bihar have also been warned of lightning strikes.
According to the IMD, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely over the next 24 hours in several districts, including Patna, Buxar, Saran, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Supaul, Purnia, Begusarai and Kishanganj.
During the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded in Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Munger and Aurangabad. Cloudy skies prevailed across many districts since morning. In Patna, overcast conditions persisted for most of the day, with brief sunshine later and light showers reported in the evening.
Flood-Like Situation in Araria, Road Washed Away in Raxaul
Continuous rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region has triggered flood-like conditions in parts of Araria district. In Ward No. 3 of Palasi block, rainwater entered several houses, while the area’s only access route, a temporary bamboo bridge, has been submerged, disrupting connectivity.
In Raxaul, the Bhelahi–Ghodasahan canal road was washed away due to strong water flow, affecting transportation between East and West Champaran districts. Canal water also overflowed into agricultural fields near Jaymangalapur, submerging crops spread across more than 200 bighas of farmland. Around 15 villages have reportedly been affected by the damaged road.
Meanwhile, in Sasaram, three youths who ventured into a swollen water body to take selfies were trapped in the strong current. They were safely rescued by local residents using ropes.
Lightning Claims Seven Lives
Lightning strikes caused widespread devastation across Bihar earlier this week. On Monday alone, seven people lost their lives in separate incidents across the state, while nearly a dozen others sustained burn injuries. The deceased included two students and a mother-son duo.
Rain Forecast for August 5 and 6
The weather department has forecast cloudy skies throughout the day in Patna, with light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in several areas. Temperatures are also expected to dip slightly due to persistent rain.
On August 5, widespread rainfall is expected in Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa and Madhubani. Districts including Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Bhojpur, Buxar and Rohtas are likely to witness scattered showers and cloudy conditions.
On August 6, rain alerts have been issued for Patna, West Champaran, East Champaran, Gaya, Siwan, Buxar, Saran, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Supaul, Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Khagaria and Begusarai.
Bihar Still Faces 40% Rainfall Deficit
Despite an increase in rainfall activity over the past few days, Bihar continues to face a significant monsoon deficit. The state has received nearly 40 percent less rainfall than normal so far this season.
Araria recorded the highest rainfall during the past 24 hours with 160 mm, followed by Kishanganj (124 mm), Madhubani (97 mm), Khagaria (97 mm), Purnia (92 mm) and Nawada (85 mm).
Meteorologists said the recent increase in rainfall is being driven by moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon trough passing through Bihar and neighbouring regions, and an upper-air cyclonic circulation. The combined influence of these weather systems is expected to keep rainfall activity active across most parts of the state over the next few days.
