New Delhi: The flood situation in several regions of Bihar has deteriorated significantly, with the embankments of the Kosi and Bagmati rivers failing, resulting in widespread inundation. The Kosi river, called Sorrow of Bihar, breached its embankment in the Darbhanga district near the Kartarpur block late on Sunday, leading to flooding in the surrounding villages of Kirtarpur and Ghanshyampur. Officials also reported seepage issues in the Bagmati river’s embankment in the Runni Saidpur block of Sitamarhi district.
Authorities confirmed six incidents of embankment breaches across the state, with repair efforts underway. Bihar water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary assured the public that the situation is under control, although further complications from recent breaches are being closely monitored. “No casualties have been reported so far,” he said, while talking to a news agency.
Evacuations and relief operations underway
In response to the escalating crisis, additional teams from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDRF) are being deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations. These teams are in addition to the existing 12 NDRF and 22 State Disaster Management Authority (SDRF) teams already present in the affected districts. Despite some rivers beginning to recede, over 16 lakh residents have been impacted by the floods, according to reports.
Officials noted that excessive water release from the Kosi Barrage, coupled with heavy rainfall in Nepal, has contributed to the rising water levels in the region. As floodwaters have reached critical infrastructure, including the Katra Bakuchi Power Grid in Muzaffarpur, power supply has been suspended to prevent further damage. Local residents have voiced concerns about the lack of administrative support.
Long-term solutions for flood management needed
Bihar is historically prone to severe flooding due to its geographical characteristics and reliance on rivers that originate in Nepal. The state’s topography, combined with intense monsoon rainfall, has led to an increase in flood intensity and frequency in recent decades. Around 73.63% of north Bihar is classified as flood-prone, affecting 28 out of 38 districts.
Union minister of state for home, Nityanand Rai, announced that the government has allocated Rs 11,500 crore for flood management in the 2024-25 budget. Ongoing discussions with Nepal aim to establish long-term strategies to mitigate future flooding, including the construction of critical infrastructure such as the Saptkosi high dam and Sunkosi diversion barrage. Experts are optimistic that collaborative efforts will lead to more effective flood management and improved resilience against this recurring natural disaster in Bihar.
Read latest India news here. Also get top breaking news, headlines and latest news from India and around the world news at IndiaPost Live.
