Several Bihar districts on alert as IMD warns of heavy rain and flash floods

Several districts in Bihar are on high alert following a warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), forecasting heavy rain and the possibility of flash floods. According to an IMD bulletin released on Friday, the districts of West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Jehanabad, Madhubani, and Bhojpur are expected to experience heavy downpours. The bulletin warned that these districts face a "low to moderate flash flood risk over the next 24 hours."

Districts on high alert

In response to the IMD forecast, the State Disaster Management Department has issued instructions to district administrations to remain on high alert and to implement preventive measures. The threat of flash floods is particularly concerning given the ongoing flood-like conditions in parts of Bihar, affecting around 12 districts along the Ganga River. These districts, which include Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger, and Bhagalpur, are already grappling with the aftermath of torrential rainfall.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with nearly 13.5 lakh people living in low-lying areas suffering the impact of rising water levels in rivers across the state. The affected population is dealing with floodwaters that have submerged homes and farmland, cutting off access to essential services in many areas. As a precautionary measure, a large number of residents from the worst-hit regions have been evacuated to relief camps, where they are receiving basic amenities and medical aid.

Rising water levels and river alerts

The Bihar Water Resources Department has issued a flood alert in several regions along the Kosi and Gandak rivers, which have swollen due to the continuous rainfall over the past two to three days. Rivers across the state are seeing rapidly rising water levels, causing major concern for both local authorities and residents.

In addition to the local rainfall, incessant downpours in Nepal's catchment areas have compounded the problem. Rivers flowing through the bordering districts are touching or have surpassed danger levels at several points, significantly increasing the risk of floods.

In response to the rising threat, the Bihar authorities took action by opening some gates of the Valmikinagar Barrage on the Gandak River, releasing 6.87 lakh cusecs of water early on Saturday morning. The Water Resources Department also released 7.54 lakh cusecs of water from the Kosi Birpur Barrage at the same time, as noted in a department bulletin. These measures are aimed at mitigating the pressure on the river systems and reducing the likelihood of more severe flooding.

Government response and preventive measures

With the threat of flash floods looming, the Bihar state government and local authorities have been working round the clock to minimise the impact. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, and relief camps have been set up to shelter displaced families.

In addition to the preventive steps taken so far, district administrations have been instructed to closely monitor water levels and maintain open communication with both state and central authorities. Contingency plans are in place to deploy additional resources, including rescue teams, should the situation escalate further.

With the IMD’s forecast of further rainfall, it is crucial for residents in the affected districts to remain cautious and adhere to the instructions of local authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)