Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Sep 5: Floods have affected around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar, while the Ganga crossed its highest recorded flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday following heavy rainfall, according to official bulletins.
The state government said 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats have been affected, with several rivers flowing above the danger mark at different locations.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed ministers and senior officials to visit the affected areas and closely monitor relief and rescue operations. Senior officials have been asked to camp in flood-hit areas and ensure proper supervision of relief measures.
The Patna Municipal Corporation, district administration and Water Resources Department have also been instructed to remain on high alert.
The Water Resources Department said the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm in four hours to 50.53 metres at 10 am on Saturday, crossing the previous highest flood level of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21, 2016.
Officials forecast that the water level at Gandhi Ghat could rise further to 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday and advised people to exercise caution.
At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga stood at 43.78 metres at 10 am on Saturday, above the previous highest flood level of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16, 2021. Residents of low-lying areas in the state capital have been advised to remain alert.
Several other rivers are also flowing above danger levels, including the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, the Ganga at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger, the Punpun at Sripalpur and the Ghaghara at Darauli.
The affected districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.
The Water Resources Department has directed district magistrates and superintendents of police to take precautionary measures, alert people living along embankments and ensure continuous patrolling by special teams to respond to emergencies.
Bihar has received 60.8 mm of rainfall so far in September, which is 69 per cent above normal. Officials said river levels have risen following heavy rainfall in Bihar and neighbouring Nepal.
The State Disaster Management Department said 38 community kitchens are operating in different districts to provide food to affected residents. Around 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets have been distributed, while 858 boats are being used for evacuation and transportation.
Twenty-seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) groups have also been deployed in flood-hit districts.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, BJP national president Nitin Nabin said the chief minister was monitoring the situation and that the government was making every effort to minimise difficulties faced by people during the disaster.
Nabin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also monitoring the situation at the Centre, adding that the government should stand firmly with people during disasters. He linked the continuing situation to the disaster in Nepal and persistent rainfall in the region.