Bihar Floods Affect Over 43 Lakh People Across 14 Districts
Over 43 lakh people face dire conditions as floods hit 14 districts in Bihar, with rivers rising above danger levels. Relief efforts intensify amidst ongoing rainfall.
Janta Ki Adalat 
Floodwaters have severely impacted over 43 lakh people across 14 districts in Bihar due to incessant rainfall and the overflow of major rivers, including the Ganga. The state has grappled with relentless rains, especially in catchment areas of Nepal, causing rivers and streams to overflow, officials reported.
According to the Disaster Management Department (DMD), approximately 43.64 lakh individuals across 527 gram panchayats in 85 blocks have been affected. Some of the worst-hit districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Buxar.
This month, Bihar has recorded an alarming total of 83.6 mm of rainfall, which is 24% above normal levels as per the latest data from the weather office. The Ganga river at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur reached a height of 36.72 metres at 6 am on Thursday, exceeding the danger mark by 2.22 metres. Despite the high levels, the river’s flow remains stable.
Multiple rivers continue to flow above the danger mark. These include the Gandak at Dumriya Ghat, the Kosi at Baltara and Kursela, and several locations along the Ganga such as Digha, Gandhi Ghat, and Munger.
In response to the crisis, authorities have established 951 community kitchens across the affected districts. They are also operating 15 relief camps that provide shelter, food, medical care, and other aid to approximately 11,255 people.
So far, the government has distributed around 2.57 lakh polythene sheets and 40,600 dry ration packets to those in need. Additionally, 1,932 boats are being utilized for rescue missions and transportation, while 6,692 quintals of cattle fodder have been provided to farmers impacted by the floods.
The DMD’s report indicated that the Gandak Barrage recorded a discharge of 77,600 cusecs, while the Kosi Barrage was at 1,40,240 cusecs. In comparison, the Indrapuri Barrage on the Sone river reported a discharge of 72,095 cusecs.
To bolster relief efforts, authorities deployed 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams across various districts, meticulously coordinating rescue and relief operations.
The weather forecast indicates a possibility of light to moderate rain in certain areas while preparing for heavy rainfall across the state in the coming future, raising concerns about further inundations.
