The floodwaters of the Bagmati River caused a significant 35-meter breach in its left embankment near Madhkaul village in the Belsand block of Sitamarhi. Additionally, the surging waters of the Gandak River overtopped the protective bund in Bagaha, West Champaran, flooding a dozen houses in Ward No. 4. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in the state so far.
According to the Water Resources Department (WRD) flood bulletin, efforts are underway to plug the breach in the Bagmati River’s left embankment. Reports from West Champaran indicate that floodwaters from the Gandak River are exerting pressure on the Pipra-Piprasi embankment, prompting the use of flood-fighting materials to prevent potential damage.
In a related development, the WRD suspended Nishikant Kumar, the executive engineer of the Bagaha flood control wing, for dereliction of duty. He has been held accountable for the damage caused to the Champaran embankment on the left bank of the Gandak River in the West Champaran district.
In Araria, heavy rainfall in the catchment areas has caused several small rivers originating from Nepal, including Parman, Bakra, Nuna, Lohanda, Ratua, and Sursar, to swell. Floodwaters have overtopped railway lines at various points in Araria district, resulting in the cancellation of train services between Jogbani railway station on the Indo-Nepal border and Katihar.
The water discharge through the Birpur barrage peaked at 6.12 lakh cusecs at 10 AM on Sunday before drastically dropping to 3.98 lakh cusecs by 2 PM. Similarly, the Valmikinagar barrage on the Gandak River recorded a peak discharge of 5.62 lakh cusecs at 10 PM on Saturday, decreasing to 4.70 lakh cusecs by 10 AM on Sunday, and further to 3.88 lakh cusecs by 2 PM.
The heavy rainfall in Nepal and northern Bihar has caused record water discharge from the Birpur and Valmikinagar barrages, raising flood concerns across 14 districts in Bihar. Authorities have issued high alerts, canceled official leaves, and advised residents in vulnerable areas to seek higher ground for safety.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reported that water from the Koshi River in Nepal has reached West Bengal, causing flooding in the state. The heavy rains have also led to landslides in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, disrupting crucial roadways. Banerjee plans to visit the affected areas and hold an administrative review meeting at the Uttar Kanya secretariat to address the situation.
In Bihar, severe flooding has resulted from heavy rains and a significant release of water from the Birpur barrage on the Kosi River, affecting over 1.6 million people. Submerged railway tracks and flooded homes have prompted the Bihar government to issue an alert and closely monitor embankments for signs of erosion or damage.
