Bihar Floods: Water Levels Recede, But Rivers Still Above Danger Mark
Bihar flood waters recede in many areas, but several rivers remain above danger mark, affecting 34.31 lakh people.
Patna: Flood-affected residents in Bihar received some respite on Tuesday as water levels in several districts began to recede or stabilise, according to the state's Disaster Management Department. However, officials cautioned that the threat is far from over, with multiple rivers still flowing above the danger mark in various locations.
The latest data shows that approximately 34.31 lakh people across 480 gram panchayats in 79 blocks of 13 districts have been impacted by the deluge. The discharge at the Kosi Barrage and the Son river's Indrapuri Barrage has shown a declining trend, recorded at 1,69,985 cusecs and 1,04,758 cusecs respectively. The Gandak river at Valmiki Barrage remains stable, while the Ganga at Sultanganj has stopped rising after briefly surpassing its 2021 record high. Still, the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Ganga, Punpun, and Ghaghara rivers continue to flow above the danger mark at multiple points.
In response, authorities are operating 432 community kitchens, providing meals twice daily to over 10 lakh people. Additionally, 14 relief camps have been set up, offering accommodation, food, and medical care to 12,294 displaced individuals. A fleet of 1,832 boats is aiding evacuations, supported by 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed across the affected districts.
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited flood-hit villages in Patna district and directed Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary to ensure robust monitoring of relief and rescue operations.