Patna, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc in Bihar as the water levels of the Ganges and several other major rivers rise significantly. According to data from the state’s Water Resources Department, rivers including the Ganges, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun, and Ghaghra are flowing above the danger mark at various locations.
The Disaster Management Department reports that approximately 780,000 people are affected by the floods in districts such as Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, and Vaishali. Additionally, thousands more in other districts are suffering due to water inundating low-lying areas. In Bhagalpur’s Kharik block, the rising water level of the Ganges caused damage to the Kajikourai-Raghopur marginal dam, which collapsed about 30 meters on the night of August 23, affecting five wards and impacting around 5,000 residents.
To assist those in need, six community kitchen centers are operational, providing meals to approximately 70,600 individuals so far. In Bhojpur, the Ganges’ rising water has led to continued flooding in low-lying areas, affecting a population of about 284,000 across four blocks. The administration has set up 13 community kitchens in the area, serving around 8,300 meals.
In Patna, the escalating water levels have posed challenges for around 232,000 residents across nine blocks. Currently, eight community kitchens are in operation, providing meals to about 5,900 people. Starting Saturday, seven additional kitchen centers will open to further aid the affected.
Saran district has seen around 20,000 residents impacted across five blocks, with one community kitchen serving approximately 500 meals. In Vaishali, around 85,000 people are affected across three blocks, with one community kitchen and a relief camp sheltering 326 individuals.
Other districts, including Arwal, Buxar, Begusarai, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger, and Katihar, report thousands of residents affected by rising waters. To facilitate transportation in flood-affected areas, 693 boats are currently operational across 18 districts, with Vaishali having the highest number at 155.
As part of relief efforts, 7,107 plastic sheets have been distributed across 11 districts, along with 1,764 dry ration packets given to flood-affected families in West Champaran, Patna, and Vaishali. According to the Water Resources Department, the Ganges at Gandhi Ghat in Patna is currently 1.83 meters above the danger mark, while at Hathidah, it is 1.61 meters above. The Ganges is flowing 1.22 meters above the danger level in Kahalgaon, and the Punpun River at Sripalpur is 2.68 meters above its danger mark. State and district teams are continuously monitoring water levels and coordinating relief and rescue operations.
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