Over 43 lakh people have been severely impacted by floods across 14 districts in Bihar, authorities reported on Thursday. Continuous rain in the state and substantial downpour in the catchment areas of Nepal have resulted in several rivers, including the Ganga, flowing dangerously high.
The Disaster Management Department (DMD) disclosed that approximately 43.64 lakh individuals across 527 gram panchayats in 85 blocks have been affected. Among the districts facing the brunt of this disaster are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Buxar.
As of September, Bihar has recorded 83.6 mm of rainfall, which is 24% above the normal levels, exacerbating the already precarious situation. In its latest bulletin, the DMD reported the Ganga at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur at 36.72 metres, breaching the danger mark by 2.22 metres, although the flow has since stabilized.
Similarly, the Gandak River exceeds safe levels at Dumriya Ghat, while the Kosi flows above the danger threshold at both Baltara and Kursela. Other rivers, including the Budhi Gandak at Khagaria, also show alarming levels at various monitoring points.
To support flood-affected residents, a total of 951 community kitchens are operational across various districts, alongside fifteen relief camps offering accommodation, meals, medical aid, and essential services for over 11,255 individuals.
In response to the crisis, approximately 2.57 lakh polythene sheets and 40,600 dry-ration packets have already been distributed. Furthermore, 1,932 boats assist in evacuation and transportation, and 6,692 quintals of cattle fodder have been provided to safeguard livestock.
The DMD indicated that the Gandak Barrage recorded a discharge of 77,600 cusecs this morning, while the Kosi Barrage reported 1,40,240 cusecs. The discharge rate at the Indrapuri Barrage on the Sone River remains at 72,095 cusecs.
For ongoing relief and rescue missions, 27 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 teams from the NDRF are deployed across several districts.
Looking ahead, the weather office predicts light to moderate rainfall in some areas, with forecasts of heavy rain continuing in parts of Bihar over the next two days. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities urge residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow advisories.
