Bihar News : Heavy rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the mountainous regions along the Nepal-Tibet border have intensified the flood threat in northern Bihar. A sudden rise in the Trishuli, Bhotekoshi and Narayani rivers, with the Narayani flowing into India as the Gandak, has prompted the Bihar government to put several border districts on high alert.
West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Supaul, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali are among the districts facing the threat as large volumes of water are expected to enter Bihar from Nepal’s catchment areas.
All 36 Gates of Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage Opened
In view of the expected surge in water from Nepal, all 36 gates of the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage in West Champaran have been opened as a precautionary measure.
The water discharge at the barrage has crossed 1 lakh cusecs. To regulate the flow, irrigation canal supplies are being stopped and water is being diverted into the main river channel.
Water levels in low-lying and riverine areas along the Gandak, including Bagaha and Chakdahwa, have been fluctuating continuously. The situation has increased pressure on villages located along the riverbanks.
Champaran Areas Face Rising Flood Threat
In West and East Champaran, the rising water level of the Gandak has increased the possibility of water entering the Terai and diara areas, including regions with significant Tharu populations.
Local residents in vulnerable areas have started moving towards safer and higher locations as a precautionary measure.
Rescue Teams Deployed in Gopalganj and Saran
In Gopalganj, rescue teams have been deployed near the Chawahi embankment and other low-lying areas. Patrolling has also been increased in vulnerable circles of Saran district.
All concerned administrative officials have been directed to remain on alert, with their leaves cancelled in view of the developing flood situation.
Kosi River Flow Increases
The rising water levels in rivers originating from eastern Nepal have also increased the flow of the Kosi River, raising concerns in Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura.
Embankments along the Kosi are being monitored round the clock to prevent any emergency situation and ensure their safety.
NDRF and SDRF Teams Deployed
The Disaster Management Department and the state government have implemented a multi-level preparedness strategy to deal with any possible flood emergency.
Several teams of the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in Bettiah, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali. Motorboats and divers are being used for 24-hour surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring of Embankments
Engineers and technical teams from the Water Resources Department have been instructed to conduct round-the-clock inspections of embankments and barrage sites.
The Disaster Management Department has also activated its control room. Reports on water flow entering Bihar from Nepal are being shared continuously with central agencies, including the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the water level in major rivers continues to fluctuate following the heavy rainfall and flooding in Nepal’s mountainous catchment areas.
