A Z NAWAB / PATNA
The flood situation in Bihar is worsening as the water levels of major rivers, including the Ganga, Gandak, Punpun and Dardha, continue to rise, inundating new areas and expanding the extent of flooding across the state.
According to forecasts from the Water Resources Department, the Ganga is likely to cross its highest recorded flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna late Thursday night and at Hathidah in Mokama by Friday afternoon.
In view of the expected further rise in the Ganga and the situation arising from it, the Disaster Management Department has urged people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad districts to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
Rivers Flowing Above Danger Marks
The situation remains particularly concerning in and around Patna, where several rivers are already flowing above their respective danger levels.
At Digha in Patna, the Ganga was flowing 1.17 metres above the danger mark, while at Gandhi Ghat it was 1.67 metres above the prescribed level. At Hathidah, the river was flowing 1.32 metres above the danger mark.
The Punpun at Sripalpur was flowing 2.29 metres above the danger level, while the Dardha at Kolhachak had risen 3.07 metres above the mark.
The rising water levels have also led to casualties. A 10-year-old girl reportedly died after being caught in strong currents at Chhotki Saidpur.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation as the continuing rise in river levels threatens to push floodwaters into additional residential and low-lying areas. Rescue and relief agencies have been placed on alert, while people in vulnerable locations have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories.
The continuing rise in the Ganga and other rivers has heightened concerns over the possibility of further inundation in the coming hours, particularly in districts located along the river system.
The spread of floodwaters into riverine and low-lying areas has disrupted normal life. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing by the Disaster Management Department in the affected areas. To deal with any emergency situation, nine NDRF and 27 SDRF teams have been deployed. Dry ration is being distributed among affected families, while Health Department teams are camping in the flood-affected areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary today conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas.The Chief Minister also held a high-level review meeting with officials in Patna and directed them to expedite flood-protection measures as well as relief and rescue operations.