Patna, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : Flooding in Bihar has reached a critical level, affecting approximately 2.24 million people across 12 districts due to rising river water levels. Reports indicate that 368 village councils in 70 blocks have been impacted. The Ganges River is flowing above its previous highest flood levels at several locations, including Gandhi Ghat, Pandarak, Danapur, and Banka Ghat in Patna. Fortunately, the water levels at these sites have stabilized.
According to the Central Water Commission, as of Sunday morning, the Ganges at Gandhi Ghat recorded a level of 50.57 meters, surpassing the previous high of 50.52 meters set on August 21, 2016, by 0.05 meters. At Pandarak, the river reached 43.92 meters, exceeding the August 16, 2021, high of 43.73 meters by 0.19 meters. The level at Danapur was noted at 52.63 meters, just above the 52.61 meters recorded on August 15, 2021. At Banka Ghat, the water level was 49.47 meters, 0.03 meters higher than the 49.44 meters recorded on August 16, 2021.
Additionally, several other rivers are flowing above danger levels in various locations. The Gandak River is above the danger mark at Dumariya Ghat and Hajipur, while the Kosi River is high at Baltara and Kursela. The Budhi Gandak River is also above the danger level in Khagaria. Other rivers, including the Ganges at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar, and Munger, are similarly elevated.
In response to the disaster, relief operations are being expedited in the affected areas. Authorities have set up 190 community kitchens across various districts, providing meals to approximately 2.51 lakh individuals. Three relief camps are operational, accommodating 1,631 flood-affected residents with housing, food, and medical care. So far, around 65,700 polyethylene sheets and 12,700 dry ration packets have been distributed to those in need.
To facilitate evacuation and transportation, 1,429 boats are currently in operation. The administration is closely monitoring river flows. As of Sunday evening, the Gandak River at Valmikinagar Barrage recorded a flow of 129,000 cubic feet per second, remaining stable, while the Kosi River at Virpur Barrage showed an increasing trend at 220,025 cubic feet per second. Earlier this year, on July 14, the Gandak River peaked at 224,000 cubic feet per second, and the Kosi reached 255,425 cubic feet per second on July 20.
The Son River at Indrapuri Barrage recorded a flow of 180,384 cubic feet per second, also stable, with a peak of 563,654 cubic feet per second noted on September 2. In anticipation of further flooding, 27 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across various districts to assist in relief and rescue operations. Continuous monitoring of the situation is being conducted by the administration to ensure effective response efforts.
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