Over 19 lakh affected as Bihar floods worsen

More than 19 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar have been affected by floods as rising river levels triggered heightened vigilance in downstream areas, officials said on Sunday.

The Ganga crossed its previous highest flood level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat in Patna following heavy rainfall. The river was flowing at 50.57 metres at 6 am, 0.05 metre above the earlier HFL of 50.52 metres recorded in 2016.

Officials said Hathidah and other downstream gauge stations could be affected over the next one to three days. The Ganga was also flowing above its previous HFL at Pandarak, where the level stood at 43.92 metres, compared with the earlier mark of 43.73 metres.

According to the Water Resources Department, around 19.57 lakh people in 330 gram panchayats across Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria have been affected.

The department has directed officials to closely monitor river levels, embankments, vulnerable areas and low-lying locations. Engineers have been asked to keep flood-control equipment and machinery ready.

Authorities have also been instructed to regulate boat operations and prevent overloading. Residents in affected areas have been advised to avoid riverbanks and remain alert as water levels continue to pose a potential threat downstream.

with inputs from PTI