Bihar Floods Worsen as 47.92 Lakh People Affected Across 15 Districts

Bihar’s flood situation worsened on Saturday, with 47.92 lakh people affected across 15 districts, according to the Disaster Management Department.

The number of affected people increased from 47.33 lakh on Friday evening as several rivers continued to flow above danger levels. The affected districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnia, Madhepura and Araria.

Officials said incessant rain in Bihar, along with heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal, has caused several rivers and streams to swell. Bihar has recorded 104.1 mm of rainfall in September so far, around 27 per cent above normal.

The Ganga was flowing above the danger level at locations. At Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, its water level was 36.48 metres at 6 am on Saturday, 1.98 metres above the danger mark, though the level was receding.

The Gandak at Dumariaghat, Kosi at Baltara and Kursela, Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, Punpun at Sripalpur, Bagmati at Benibad and Ghaghra at Darauli and Gangpur Siswan were also above danger levels.

The Water Resources Department has directed officials to maintain close vigil at vulnerable locations and promptly report incidents of riverbank erosion. Officials have been asked to inspect areas showing signs of sudden erosion, bank collapse or rapid movement of river currents towards the banks and take preventive and protective measures.

Relief operations are continuing across the affected districts. A total of 1,245 community kitchens are being operated, while 13 relief camps remain functional. These facilities are providing accommodation, food, medical care and other essential items to 12,260 flood-affected people.

Authorities have distributed around 3.50 lakh polythene sheets, 57,100 dry-ration packets and 1,400 food packets. A total of 1,840 boats are being used for evacuation and transportation, while 27 SDRF and 10 NDRF teams have been deployed.

Around 11,204 quintals of animal fodder have also been distributed. The Bihar Meteorological Centre has forecast partly cloudy conditions in most parts of the state during the next two days, with the possibility of strong winds.