Kosi, Gandak, Ganga and Several Other Rivers in Spate, Flood Threat Looms Over Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura and Katihar

Kosi, Gandak, Ganga and Several Other Rivers in Spate, Flood Threat Looms Over Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura and Katihar

Patna: Continuous rainfall across Bihar and heavy precipitation in Nepal's Terai region have caused the water levels of several major rivers in the state to rise rapidly. Rivers including the Kosi, Gandak, Ganga, Mahananda, and Bagmati are flowing above normal levels, increasing the risk of flooding in many districts. According to the Water Resources Department, river levels are rising steadily at several monitoring points, and floodwaters have started spreading into low-lying areas. District administrations in Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Katihar, Khagaria, Purnea, and Kishanganj have issued alerts, while disaster management agencies remain on high alert.

Rising Kosi River Raises Fresh Concerns

Known as the "Sorrow of Bihar," the Kosi River is once again showing signs of becoming a major threat. Persistent rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas has significantly increased the discharge from the Kosi Barrage, leading to a steady rise in the river's water level downstream.

Floodwaters have begun entering low-lying villages and agricultural fields in Supaul, Saharsa, and Madhepura districts. Waterlogging has affected farmlands, raising fears of damage to standing Kharif crops, including paddy, maize, and vegetables. Farmers are increasingly worried about potential losses if the situation worsens.

Floodwater Reaches Villages in Supaul

In Supaul district, water from the Kosi River has started entering fields and low-lying settlements along the riverbanks. The district administration has intensified surveillance of embankments, while engineers from the Water Resources Department have been instructed to monitor vulnerable stretches round the clock.

Residents fear that if rainfall continues over the next few days, several villages could lose road connectivity. Authorities have urged people to remain alert and avoid believing or spreading rumors.

Growing Anxiety in Saharsa and Madhepura

The rising water level of the Kosi River has also heightened concerns in Saharsa and Madhepura districts. Water has started accumulating in several low-lying areas, prompting many residents to move livestock and essential belongings to safer locations.

The Disaster Management Department has directed local officials to identify vulnerable villages and ensure that relief camps are ready if evacuation becomes necessary. The Health Department has also been instructed to keep medicines, medical teams, and emergency supplies prepared.

Water Levels Rise in Mahananda, Ganga, and Kosi in Katihar

Katihar district is also witnessing a steady rise in the water levels of the Mahananda, Ganga, and Kosi rivers. Residents living near riverbanks have become increasingly concerned as the possibility of flooding grows.

The administration has intensified monitoring in sensitive areas, particularly along the Mahananda River, where the risk of riverbank erosion has also increased. Families living close to vulnerable embankments have been advised to stay prepared for evacuation if required.

Ganga and Gandak Also Flowing Above Normal Levels

The Ganga River, considered the lifeline of Bihar, is witnessing a continuous rise in water levels at several locations, including Patna, Bhagalpur, Buxar, and Munger. The river's stronger current has prompted authorities to increase vigilance along major ghats.

Similarly, the Gandak River has recorded higher water levels in parts of West Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, and Muzaffarpur districts. Additional personnel have been deployed to monitor embankments and ensure their safety.

Administration on High Alert

The Bihar government has placed all concerned departments on high alert in view of the possible flood situation. District officials have been directed to inspect embankments regularly and report any signs of damage or seepage immediately.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been kept on standby in vulnerable districts. Boats, life jackets, rescue equipment, and relief materials have also been arranged for emergency deployment.

Relief Camps Being Prepared

District administrations have started preparing relief camps in flood-prone areas. These camps will provide food, drinking water, medical assistance, sanitation facilities, and temporary shelter for affected families.

Schools, community halls, and panchayat buildings have been identified as potential relief centers if large-scale evacuations become necessary. The Animal Husbandry Department has also been directed to ensure fodder and veterinary services for livestock.

Farmers Face Major Challenges

The rising water level poses a serious threat to agriculture, especially as the Kharif sowing season is currently underway. Excessive waterlogging may severely damage paddy fields as well as maize, pulses, vegetables, and other seasonal crops.

Agricultural experts warn that if floodwater remains stagnant in fields for an extended period, crop losses could be significant, affecting both farmers' incomes and regional agricultural production.

Health Department Steps Up Preparedness

The Health Department has placed all primary health centers and community health centers on alert. Authorities are stocking essential medicines to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, malaria, dengue, and viral fever, which often increase during floods.

Medical teams have also been kept ready to provide healthcare services at relief camps whenever required.

Public Advised to Remain Vigilant

The administration has appealed to people living near rivers to avoid venturing close to swollen riverbanks. Parents have been advised to keep children away from fast-flowing water, while boat operators and passengers have been urged to follow all safety guidelines.

Officials have also requested citizens to rely only on verified information issued by government agencies and not to spread unverified reports or rumors.

Weather Outlook

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several districts of Bihar are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall over the coming days. Continued rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas could further increase the water levels of major rivers across the state.

Experts believe that if rainfall persists, the flood situation may worsen in several districts. Authorities are therefore maintaining continuous monitoring of river levels and keeping emergency response systems fully prepared.

The rising water levels of the Kosi, Gandak, Ganga, Mahananda, and other major rivers have once again heightened the risk of flooding across Bihar. Low-lying areas in Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Katihar have already begun experiencing waterlogging, while several other districts remain on high alert. Relief and rescue preparations are underway, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely. If heavy rainfall continues over the next few days, the flood threat could intensify, making public cooperation and administrative preparedness crucial in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of affected communities.