Bihar flood situation worsens as eight major rivers flow above danger mark

Bihar’s flood situation worsened on Thursday as eight major rivers crossed danger marks, affecting 13 districts. Patna faced severe flooding, while erosion threatened embankments in Bhagalpur. Authorities deployed boats, steamers and tractors for evacuations, anti-erosion measures and relief preparations

Patna: The flood situation in Bihar continues to deteriorate, with eight major rivers flowing above their respective danger marks on Thursday. Water levels have risen in the Ganga, Son, Punpun, Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati and Ghaghara rivers, affecting normal life across several parts of the state. Floodwaters have affected 13 districts, with residents in several areas facing disruption due to rising water levels.

The administration in Patna remains on high alert as the Ganga, Son and Punpun rivers have crossed their danger marks. The flood situation in Patna has become increasingly serious.

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At Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga is flowing 127 cm above the danger mark, while at Digha Ghat, the water level is 61 cm above the danger mark. At Shripalpur, the Punpun River is flowing around 2.01 metres above the danger mark, with floodwaters entering nearby houses.

More than 5.54 lakh cusecs of water have been released into the Son River from the Indrapuri Barrage, resulting in the rapid spread of water across the riverine areas of Maner, Danapur, Bakhtiyarpur and Mokama. The administration has deployed 12 government boats to evacuate people stranded in flood-affected areas.

In Mohiuddinnagar, Samastipur, the Ganga has risen around 1.50 metres above the danger mark. The Ganga River is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Kahalgaon as well. In Munger, the Ganga has also crossed the warning level. In Bhagalpur, severe erosion along the Ganga has raised concerns over the safety of the Raghopur-Kazikoraiya embankment and the railway’s tagging dam.

Authorities are working around the clock to protect the dam. Around 200 tractors and three steamers have been deployed to transport and dump sandbags as part of the anti-erosion operation.

In Nauhatta, Rohtas, the rising water level of the Son has left around 100 people stranded on river islets, where they had been engaged in farming activities. Authorities are undertaking efforts to evacuate them safely as the river continues to rise.

The flood-affected districts include Darbhanga, Madhubani, West Champaran, Katihar, Madhepura, Purnea, Saharsa, Khagaria, Vaishali, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Samastipur and Munger. With the flood situation worsening, preparations have begun to provide immediate assistance to affected families.

The Disaster Management Department has directed officials to prepare a list of families affected by the floods. The assessment will cover damage to crops, livestock and houses, with the aim of ensuring that eligible families receive relief assistance promptly.

Authorities are closely monitoring river levels and vulnerable areas as the flood situation continues to evolve across the state.