Bihar Floods Impact Over 43 Lakh in 14 Districts
More than 43 lakh people are currently affected by severe flooding in Bihar. This crisis unfolds as rivers overflow, impacting 14 districts and prompting extensive relief efforts.
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Over 43 lakh people across 14 districts in Bihar have suffered due to severe flooding, officials reported on Thursday. Continuous rain, coupled with heavy downpours in the catchment areas of Nepal, has caused major rivers, including the Ganga, to flow above their danger levels.
The latest data from the Disaster Management Department (DMD) reveals that approximately 43.64 lakh individuals from 527 gram panchayats across 85 blocks are affected. The districts hardest hit include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Buxar.
So far in September, Bihar has recorded 83.6 mm of rainfall, which is 24 percent more than the average for this time of year, according to weather officials. This rainfall has exacerbated the already dire conditions.
The DMD reported that the Ganga at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur has swelled to 36.72 metres, exceeding the danger mark by 2.22 metres as of Thursday morning. Although the flow remains stable for now, other rivers, such as the Gandak, Kosi, and Budhi Gandak, continue to flow above the danger level at various points.
To address the humanitarian crisis, authorities have established 951 community kitchens and 15 relief camps providing food, medical care, and shelter to over 11,255 individuals. Relief operations also include the distribution of 2.57 lakh polythene sheets and 40,600 dry-ration packets to those displaced by the floods.
1,932 boats are actively operational for evacuations and transporting aid, alongside 6,692 quintals of cattle fodder distributed to local farmers. This concerted effort aims to support both people and their livestock in these trying times.
As of Thursday morning, the Gandak Barrage recorded a discharge of 77,600 cusecs, while the Kosi Barrage saw 1,40,240 cusecs. The discharge at Indrapuri Barrage along the Sone River was 72,095 cusecs. These figures highlight the ongoing threat posed by overflowing rivers.
Currently, 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are deployed across affected districts to carry out necessary rescue and relief efforts. Their roles become increasingly crucial as the situation develops.
The weather office has issued a forecast predicting light to moderate rain across some areas along with possible heavy downpours over the next two days. This forecast raises concerns among experts and officials about further exacerbation of the already critical flooding situation.
