Why Bihar Flooded Despite Poor Rains and Nepal’s Limited Role

Bihar had less rain than usual for most of the monsoon.

Even so, its rivers rose to very high levels and caused widespread flooding.

The Ganga was the first major river to become a serious concern this time.

Rain farther upstream, including around Uttar Pradesh, sent more water into the Ganga.

When the Ganga became swollen, smaller rivers found it harder to empty into it.

Nepal also experienced severe flooding after a glacial lake outburst, but the Gandak’s discharge into Bihar later fell.

Heavy local rain in parts of Bihar and Jharkhand added to the problem.

Embankments helped protect some areas, but seepage, drainage problems and overtopping still caused flooding.

Bihar’s flat land, heavy sediment and large population near rivers make it especially vulnerable.