6 days ago
Nepal Floods Raise Gandak River Risk Across India
A huge flood happened in Nepal after a glacier-related event caused an avalanche.
The flood sent a lot of water into rivers in Nepal.
One of these rivers is called the Narayani in Nepal and the Gandak in India.
The river crosses the border because water does not follow political boundaries.
It eventually flows through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Officials in both Indian states warned people that flooding could worsen.
Bihar opened all the gates of a large barrage to help manage the water.
Some villages in Uttar Pradesh were told to move to safer places.
A glacial lake outburst and avalanche triggered devastating flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
Nepal’s Narayani River becomes the Gandak River after crossing into India.
The river flows through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar before joining the Ganga.
Bihar opened all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage and discharged about 86,000 cusecs of water.
Authorities placed vulnerable districts in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert, with some villages ordered to evacuate.
- Who
- Residents and authorities in Nepal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh were affected or involved.
- What
- A Nepal flash flood increased the risk of flooding along India’s Gandak River basin.
- Where
- The flooding began in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, while alerts covered Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India.
- When
- The flood response and barrage-gate opening were reported on Wednesday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Why
- A glacial lake outburst caused an avalanche and flash floods, and water from Nepal’s river system can raise levels downstream in India.
Key facts
- River names
- The river is called the Narayani in Nepal and the Gandak in India.
- Flood trigger
- Nepal’s disaster authority attributed the flooding to a glacial lake outburst that led to an avalanche.
- Affected Indian states
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar faced increased flood risk.
- Gandak Barrage
- All 36 gates at Valmikinagar in Bihar were opened.
- Water discharge
- About 86,000 cusecs were discharged from the barrage around Wednesday noon.
- Bihar districts on alert
- West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar were among the districts named.
- Evacuations
- Residents of Marchahwa, Shivpur, and other villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district were urged to move to safer locations.
Quotes
Vijay Kumar Choudhary
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Department minister
“In view of the rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers and the possibility of flooding in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts due to its impact, instructions have been issued to the local administration to remain fully vigilant and ensure necessary preparations.”
NDTV
“The department has taken immediate precautionary measures. All 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar have been opened, and a technical team led by a Superintending Engineer has been deployed at the barrage. Warnings have also been issued to all districts in the Gandak river basin.”
NDTV
Sources
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