Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Floods have affected around 10.26 lakh people in 11 districts of Bihar, while the Ganga crossed the highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday morning after heavy rain in the state, according to official bulletins.
The state government said 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats have been hit, with several rivers flowing above the danger mark at different places.
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Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed ministers and officials to visit flood-affected areas and closely monitor relief and rescue operations.
He said senior officials had been asked to camp in affected areas and ensure close supervision of relief measures, while the Patna Municipal Corporation, district administration and the Water Resources Department had been told to remain on high alert.
The Water Resources Department said the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm in four hours to 50.53 metres at 10 am, which was 1 cm above the highest flood level. The previous highest flood level of 50.52 metres was recorded on August 21, 2016.
The department said, “The forecast is that the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat is likely to rise further to 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday. People have been advised to exercise caution.”
At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga was at 43.78 metres at 10 am on September 5, against the previous highest flood level of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16, 2021. People living in low-lying areas in the state capital have been asked to remain cautious.
Several rivers in Bihar are flowing above the danger mark, including the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, the Ganga at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger, the Punpun at Sripalpur and the Ghaghara at Darauli.
The affected districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.
The Water Resources Department asked all district magistrates and superintendents of police to take precautionary steps, alert people living on the river-facing side of embankments and ensure continuous patrolling by special teams to deal with emergencies.
The state has received 60.8 mm of rainfall in September so far, which is 69 per cent above normal, with river levels rising after heavy rain in Bihar and neighbouring Nepal.
The state Disaster Management Department said 38 community kitchens were being run in different districts for affected people. It said around 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets had been distributed so far, while 858 boats were being used for evacuation and movement.
In addition, 27 SDRF teams and seven NDRF groups have been deployed in flood-hit districts.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, BJP national president Nitin Nabin said, “The Chief Minister is monitoring the situation. The government is fully aware of the fact. All of us are making efforts to ensure that people face the least possible difficulties during this disaster.”
He also said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also monitoring the situation at the Centre. Particularly in matters concerning disasters, the government should stand firmly with the people. These conditions have been persisting following the disaster in Nepal and continued rainfall.”
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
