More than 43 lakh people have faced the brunt of devastating floods across 14 districts in Bihar, triggered by incessant rains and swelling rivers, officials reported on Thursday. The situation continues to worsen, demanding urgent intervention from all stakeholders.
Around 43.64 lakh people have been impacted in 527 gram panchayats spanning 85 blocks. Districts severely hit include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Buxar, all struggling against the rising waters.
The state has recorded a substantial 83.6 mm of rainfall in September, 24% above the normal levels, thus raising alarm among state officials and citizens alike. The incessant rainfall added to the challenges posed by heavy precipitation in the catchment areas of Nepal.
According to the latest bulletin from the Disaster Management Department (DMD), the Ganga at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur stood at 36.72 metres as of 6 am on Thursday, exceeding the danger mark by 2.22 metres. Other rivers such as the Gandak, Kosi, and Budhi Gandak also reported levels above safety thresholds.
Authorities are on high alert as the Gandak at Dumriya Ghat and the Kosi at both Baltara and Kursela flow above the danger levels. The Ganga remains a point of concern across multiple locations including Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, and Kahalgaon.
In response to the escalating crisis, the state government has initiated multiple relief operations. Currently, a total of 951 community kitchens are in operation across various districts, providing food to those displaced. Furthermore, 15 relief camps have been established which offer accommodation, food, and medical assistance to over 11,255 individuals.
The DMD reported the distribution of approximately 2.57 lakh polythene sheets and 40,600 dry-ration packets thus far. To assist in rescue and transportation efforts, a fleet of 1,932 boats is operational, and supplies of 6,692 quintals of cattle fodder have been made available to farmers.
As of 6 am on Thursday, the Gandak Barrage recorded a significant discharge of 77,600 cusecs, while the Kosi Barrage experienced a flow of 1,40,240 cusecs. The Indrapuri Barrage on the Sone river reported a discharge of 72,095 cusecs.
For comprehensive relief and rescue operations, a total of 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have mobilized across the affected districts. Their primary objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of the inundated populace.
The weather office has warned of continued rainfall, with forecasts of light to moderate rain in some areas, and heavy downpours expected over the next two days. Emergency preparedness remains crucial as authorities gear up to face the persistent threat of flooding.
