Several districts of Bihar on alert as IMD warns of heavy rains and flash floods

Several districts of Bihar have been put on high alert following the alert issued by the authorities India Meteorological Department (IMD), forecasting heavy rainfall and the possibility of its occurrence flash floods. According to an IMD bulletin issued on Friday, heavy rains are expected in West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Jehanabad, Madhubani and Bhojpur districts. The bulletin warned that there was a “low to moderate” risk of flash flooding in these districts over the next 24 hours.

Districts on high alert

In response to the IMD forecast, the state Disaster management The department has issued instructions to district authorities to remain on high alert and implement preventive measures. The threat of flash floods is particularly worrisome given the persistent flood conditions in parts of Bihar, affecting around 12 districts along the Ganga river. These districts, which include Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger and Bhagalpur, are already facing the effects of heavy rainfall.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with nearly 13.5 lakh people living in low-lying areas feeling the effects of the rising water levels in rivers throughout the state. Affected people are struggling with floodwaters that have submerged homes and farmland, cutting off access to basic services in many areas. As a precautionary measure, a large number of residents of the worst-affected regions have been evacuated to humanitarian aid camps, where they are receiving basic amenities and medical assistance.

Rising water levels and river alerts

The Bihar Water Resources Department has issued a flood alert in several regions along the Kosi and Gandak rivers, which have swelled due to continuous rainfall in the last two to three days. Water levels in rivers across the state are rising rapidly, causing serious concern to local authorities and residents alike.

In addition to local rainfall, incessant downpours in Nepal’s catchment areas have aggravated the problem. Rivers flowing through border counties reached or exceeded the danger level in several places, significantly increasing the risk of flooding.

In response to the growing threat, the Bihar authorities have taken action by opening some of the gates of the Valmikinagar dam on Gandak Riverreleasing 6.87 lakh cusecs of water early Saturday morning. As noted in the department’s bulletin, the Water Resources Department released 7.54 lakh cusecs of water from the Kosi Birpur barrage during the same period. These actions aim to ease pressure on river systems and reduce the likelihood of more severe flooding.

Government response and preventive measures

Amid the threat of flash floods, the Bihar government and local authorities are working round the clock to minimize its impact. Evacuations are ongoing and relief camps have been established to shelter displaced families.

Apart from the preventive steps taken so far, the district authorities have been directed to closely monitor the water level and maintain open communication with both the state and central governments. Contingency plans are in place to deploy additional resources, including rescue teams, should the situation escalate further.

With IMD forecasting further rainfall, it is very important for residents of affected districts to exercise caution and follow instructions from local authorities.

(With the participation of the agency)