Two embankments breach in Bihar’s Bhagalpur; rising Kosi raises fresh concerns

Flooding in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has worsened after breaches in two embankments caused by Kosi River pressure and heavy rain. Nearly 28,000 people are in relief camps, while thousands of schools remain inundated as authorities monitor rising risks and provide financial assistance 

Patna: The flood situation in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has become increasingly concerning, with breaches reported at two separate embankment locations amid strong pressure from the Kosi River and heavy rain.

In Baniya village under Rangra Chowk block of Naugachia, around 15 metres of the old railway-line embankment collapsed under pressure from the Kosi floodwaters. Water is now flowing rapidly through the breached section towards nearby areas, raising concerns among residents of Sadhopur, Masudanpur, Baisi, Bhawanipur and Baniya.

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The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities and residents as floodwaters continue to exert pressure on surrounding areas. A second breach of approximately 10 metres was reported in the Brahmottar embankment in Gopalpur, Naugachia.

According to an official, the section gave way following a storm and rain late Thursday night. The administration, along with local residents, has intensified efforts at the site to contain the situation and prevent further damage.

Concerns over the embankment’s stability had already been raised after leakage was detected there four days ago. The subsequent collapse of the 10-metre section has increased fears that a larger breach could affect a significant population in Gopalpur. The continuing floods have forced a large number of families to leave their homes and move to relief camps.

At present, 27,954 people are reportedly staying in relief camps across the affected areas.

Santosh Kumar Mall, Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, said families who have remained stranded due to the floods for the past five days would receive Rs 7,000 in financial assistance, which will be transferred directly to their bank accounts.

The assistance is intended to provide immediate support to families facing difficulties due to prolonged displacement. The floods have also disrupted education in the affected areas.

Around 5,000 schools in the Kosi range are reportedly inundated, affecting the education of thousands of students. In several locations, school buildings have also been converted into facilities for relief and rescue operations, further disrupting regular academic activities. The water level of the Kosi River in Supaul is currently reported to be stable.

At 6 am on Friday, around 1.41 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Kosi Barrage, while 1.07 lakh cusecs were discharged from the Barah region. Despite the stable water level, authorities are maintaining close surveillance of the river’s water level and pressure in view of the continuing flood situation.

With fresh embankment breaches reported in Bhagalpur and large areas of Bihar still affected by flooding, authorities and local residents remain on alert over the possibility of further deterioration in the coming days.