Bihar on high alert as Nepal floods push Gandak water levels up
Bihar was placed on high alert on Wednesday, August 26, after floodwaters from Nepal entered the Gandak river and reached the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran, prompting authorities to open all 36 gates to regulate the flow.
Around 1.50 lakh cusecs of water was released from the barrage by 11 pm, the highest discharge recorded there on August 26. Officials said the flow was expected to recede, but teams remained on alert through the night.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reviewed the situation with Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and senior officials, directing authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure necessary arrangements in vulnerable areas.
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said a technical team led by a Superintending Engineer had been deployed at the barrage. Districts along the Gandak basin were also alerted.
Special monitoring was ordered in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Sheohar. District administrations were asked to keep boats, shelters, evacuation plans and community kitchens ready.
An NDRF team will be sent to Gopalganj, while another will remain on standby in Muzaffarpur. Arrangements are also being made for an NDRF team in Bettiah, with the Sashastra Seema Bal offering additional support if required.
Officials said the Narayani river at Devghat in Nepal was flowing at 4.77 metres, below its warning level of 7.30 metres and danger level of 9 metres. There was no immediate rise in the Kosi river.
The situation follows devastating flash floods in Nepal that killed at least 157 people and left more than 750 missing, including 133 Indians. The floods swept through central Nepal after a surge in the Bhote Koshi river, affecting areas along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Choudhary expressed condolences to those killed in Nepal and said India stood with Nepal in its relief and rescue efforts. He urged people in Bihar to remain alert without panicking as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
(With inputs from PTI)