3 days ago
Bihar Flood Fears Rise as Nepal Rains Swell Major Rivers
Heavy rain in Nepal and Bihar is making several rivers rise.
Some rivers have gone above the level considered dangerous.
The Gandak River has crossed that level in Gopalganj.
The Kosi, Burhi Gandak and Ganga rivers have also reached or crossed danger marks in several places.
A flash flood in Nepal earlier this week followed an ice-rock landslide.
Water from Nepal can affect rivers farther downstream in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Officials have moved some people from low-lying areas to safer places.
Government teams and engineers are watching vulnerable districts closely.
Flood fears increased in Bihar after persistent rains in Nepal and the state pushed several rivers above danger marks.
The Gandak River breached the danger mark in Gopalganj, while the Valmikinagar barrage released about 99,800 cusecs at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The Kosi and Burhi Gandak rivers reached danger levels in parts of Khagaria, Katihar and Kursela.
The Ganga was above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhighat in Patna and Kahlgaon in Bhagalpur.
Authorities moved residents from low-lying areas, placed departments on alert and ordered district officials to monitor vulnerable locations.
- Who
- Residents of low-lying areas in Bihar and state and district authorities are involved.
- What
- Rising water levels have pushed the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak and Ganga rivers to or above danger marks.
- Where
- Bihar, including Gopalganj, Khagaria, Katihar, Patna, Bhagalpur and other vulnerable districts; downstream areas of Nepal and Uttar Pradesh are also being monitored.
- When
- The flood warning situation intensified on Saturday after a flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday.
- Why
- Persistent rain in Nepal and Bihar, along with the effects of a Nepal flash flood triggered by an ice-rock landslide, has increased river flows.
Key facts
- Gandak status
- The Gandak breached the danger mark in Gopalganj.
- Valmikinagar discharge
- The barrage released about 99,800 cusecs at 8 p.m. Saturday.
- Other rivers affected
- The Kosi and Burhi Gandak reached danger levels, while the Ganga was above the danger mark at several locations.
- Ganga locations
- The Ganga was above the danger mark at Hathidah, Gandhighat in Patna and Kahlgaon in Bhagalpur.
- People moved
- Residents of low-lying areas were moved to safety.
- Official response
- District magistrates were directed to monitor conditions, while flood-control officials and engineers camped at vulnerable sites.
Quotes
Senior Water Resources Department official
An unnamed Bihar Water Resources Department official explaining river-level increases and flood risks.
“The water level of several rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak and the Ganga, has been rising. Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to rivers touching or flowing above the danger level at several places.”
telegraphindia.com
“District magistrates have been directed to monitor the situation personally. Flood Control Department officials and engineers are camping at certain vulnerable sites in Bhagalpur, Purnea, Katihar, West Champaran and other districts.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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