Authorities in Bihar have issued an alert across multiple districts on Sunday due to rising water levels in the Ganga River and the likelihood of continued rainfall, raising fears of flood-like conditions.
Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s flood preparedness. The Disaster Management Department (DMD) stated that all divisions have been instructed to remain on high alert, especially in light of predicted heavy rainfall over Nepal’s Gandak and Kosi river catchment areas.
“Considering the steady increase in the Ganga’s water level and significant rainfall forecast across Bihar—including in the catchment zones of the Sone river—all concerned districts must stay vigilant,” the DMD noted.
The department has directed that any potential flood threat be immediately communicated to the public using loudspeakers. If floodwaters reach residential areas, swift evacuation and relocation measures must be implemented. Authorities have also been instructed to make arrangements for setting up relief shelters and community kitchens in anticipation of displacement.
Teams from the Water Resources Department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been placed on standby.
District magistrates from regions likely to be impacted—such as East and West Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Arwal, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, and Rohtas—joined the meeting via video conference.
According to officials, the current water discharge at the Kosi Barrage stands at 1,10,845 cusecs, though this figure may increase if rainfall intensifies in upstream Nepal.
All embankments are reportedly in stable condition, and emergency flood-control supplies have been pre-positioned at high-risk locations. Engineers and contractors in these regions have been instructed to remain on standby.
“The department is fully equipped to manage any emerging crisis,” the DMD affirmed.
