Patna, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : As Bihar faces severe flooding, approximately 4.8 million people are impacted across 15 districts. Rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Bagmati are flowing above danger levels at various locations, leading to significant concerns for local communities.
The state’s Water Resources Department reports that the Gandak River at Dumariya Ghat, the Kosi River at Baltara and Kursela, and the Ganga at several points including Digha, Gandhi Ghat, and Bhagalpur are all above critical thresholds. Additionally, the Punpun River and the Ghaghra River are also exceeding danger levels in their respective areas.
In response, the Disaster Management Department has set up 1,245 community kitchens across affected districts, providing around 7.33 million meals to those in need. Relief camps have been established to accommodate over 12,260 individuals, offering shelter, food, and medical assistance. So far, authorities have distributed approximately 350,000 polyethylene sheets, 57,100 dry ration packets, and 1,400 food packets to affected families. To facilitate transportation and evacuation efforts, 1,840 boats are currently in operation.
For livestock owners, 11,204 quintals of animal feed have been distributed. Monitoring of river flow is ongoing, with the Gandak River recording a stable flow of 75,500 cubic feet per second at the Valmikinagar Barrage, while the Kosi River’s flow is at 143,665 cubic feet per second.
The maximum flow recorded this season for the Kosi was 255,425 cubic feet per second on July 20. The Son River also showed a decreasing trend, currently flowing at 70,021 cubic feet per second, down from a peak of 563,654 cubic feet per second on September 2.
To prepare for potential flooding, 27 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across various districts. The Bihar Meteorological Centre forecasts partly cloudy conditions with strong winds for the next two days.
In light of the sudden drop in water levels—termed ‘sudden drawdown’—the Water Resources Department has issued a warning. Rapid decreases in water levels can lead to increased erosion risks along riverbanks, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas. Officials are instructed to monitor sensitive banks and erosion-prone sites closely.
Immediate inspections and protective measures are mandated if signs of sudden erosion or bank collapse are observed. Authorities are urged to act swiftly and ensure adequate resources are available to respond to any emergencies effectively. Continuous monitoring of the situation remains a priority.
Leave a Comment