India

Bihar Flood Situation Improves in Parts, But Danger Persists in Several Districts

By Amit Bhelari

Water levels in a number of Bihar districts have begun to recede or stabilize, offering relief to millions affected by the ongoing floods, though officials caution that the threat remains in other areas as several rivers continue to flow above the danger mark. According to the Disaster Management Department, around 34.31 lakh people have been affected across 480 gram panchayats in 79 blocks spanning 13 districts. On Tuesday, discharge levels at the Kosi Barrage stood at 1,69,985 cusecs, while the Son river's discharge at the Indrapuri Barrage was recorded at 1,04,758 cusecs, with both showing a downward trend. The Gandak river's water level at the Valmiki Barrage has remained steady, and the Ganga at Sultanganj has stopped rising after briefly exceeding its 2021 record high. Despite these signs of improvement, the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Ganga, Punpun and Ghaghara rivers continue to flow above danger levels at various points. A Disaster Management Department official said 432 community kitchens are currently operating across affected districts, with more than 10 lakh people receiving two meals a day. Additionally, 14 relief camps have been set up to provide shelter, food and medical care to 12,294 displaced flood victims. To assist with evacuations, 1,832 boats are currently in operation, supported by 27 State Disaster Response Force teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force teams deployed across the affected districts. Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited flood-hit villages in Patna district, where he directed Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary to ensure adequate arrangements were in place for monitoring relief and rescue operations.