Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: The northern and central parts of Bihar are grappling with severe flooding after a significant release of water from the Birpur barrage on the Kosi River, following torrential rains.
The flooding has submerged railway tracks and forced water into homes across several districts.
“We are going towards the roads since water has entered our houses.Everything has been damaged due to water like grains, pulses and our clothes as well,” said Tarakchand Mukhiya, a resident of Araria district, told news agency ANI.
The flooding began after a significant release of water from the Birpur barrage on the Kosi River, following torrential rains. The Bihar government has sounded an alert as more than 16 lakh people have been affected by rising water levels.
Railway operations have been severely disrupted due to water accumulation on the tracks, and many roadways have been closed as a precautionary measure near the Kosi barrage. The Water Resources Department has deployed teams around the clock to monitor embankments and respond swiftly to any signs of erosion or damage.
Officials have confirmed that the rise in water levels is being exacerbated by the heavy discharge from Nepal, which has released over 5.40 lakh cusecs of water into the Gandak barrage.
The excess water is affecting low-lying areas across several districts, including Araria, Supaul, and Katihar, with thousands of people being evacuated to relief camps.
The state’s Disaster Management Department has urged local authorities to remain on high alert, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods in already affected regions.
Flood-like conditions continue to persist in 13 districts, with over 13 lakh people impacted by the rising water levels along the Ganga.
