Patna, August 26: Following sudden floods in Nepal, preparations have been ramped up in India.
On Wednesday, a flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district resulted in at least seven fatalities, with several others reported missing. The affected areas have suffered significant damage, prompting Indian authorities in neighboring regions to enhance monitoring and precautionary measures.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced the formation of a high-level committee to closely monitor the situation. He stated to the media, “A high-level team has been established. The Chief Secretary and DGP are overseeing this, and I will hold a meeting. If necessary, I will visit the area myself.”
In light of the potential for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Nepal and rising water levels in rivers flowing through Bihar, Taranjot Singh, the District Magistrate of West Champaran, has instructed officials and executive engineers to implement all necessary precautionary measures in villages near the Nepal border and along the Gandak River.
The district administration is continuously monitoring the situation and has directed relevant departments to ensure all necessary preparations and arrangements to effectively address any potential rise in water levels or related flood conditions. An advisory has been issued urging people not to panic but to remain vigilant and strictly follow official instructions.
Meanwhile, the sudden floods in the upper catchment area of Nepal have increased the flow of water in the Gandak River, prompting the Bihar government to issue a high alert in several districts. A high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit included district magistrates and police superintendents via video conferencing.
Districts such as West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali have been instructed to remain alert and complete preparations for relief and rescue operations. Alerts have also been issued in Sitamarhi and Shivhar. The Water Resources Department has been directed to control the flow of water through the Gandak barrage gates and canals.
NDRF and SDRF teams are being deployed. One NDRF team each will be stationed in Gopalganj and Betia, while another team will remain on standby in Muzaffarpur. District officials have been instructed to prepare plans for relocating people to safe areas and to arrange for boats, community kitchens, and shelters.
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