Patna, Sep 28 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in four districts, and directed officials to intensify relief and rescue operations.
Choudhary inspected the flood-hit places at Vaishali, Saran, East Champaran and Gopalganj districts.
He also inspected the rising water level of the Gandak at Dumariya Ghat, where officials informed him that the river was around 1.5 metres above the danger mark, and could rise by another 50 cm during the night.
“Choudhary directed officials to continuously monitor vulnerable and low-lying areas, ensure prompt assistance to affected people and maintain full preparedness for rescue operations,” a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
The chief minister was accompanied by his deputy Vijay Kumar Choudhary.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has been asked to keep a close watch on embankments and conduct night patrolling, while district administrations were directed to coordinate closely with SDRF and NDRF teams, the statement said.
The CM also emphasised that food and relief materials should be provided without negligence through camps and community kitchens, it said.
The Gandak recorded a peak discharge of 5,43,500 cusecs at the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran district at 4 am on Monday, officials said.
The discharge of water at the Valmikinagar Barrage, however, has reduced, indicating that the situation could improve, they said.
The peak water level will take some time to pass through downstream areas, a WRD statement said.
“The discharge of water at the Gandak Barrage was 4,97,200 cusecs at 7 am on Monday and showed a falling trend. The Kosi Barrage at Birpur recorded 1,80,490 cusecs, while the Sone Barrage at Indrapuri recorded 1,36,124 cusecs, both showing a rising trend,” it said.
The Disaster Management Department (DMD) said rivers flowing above the danger mark include Gandak at Dumariaghat, Kosi at Baltara, Bagmati at Dheng, Sonakhan, Kataunjha and Benibad, and Lalbakeya at Gowa Bari.
Heavy rainfall in Nepal and the adjoining districts of Bihar over the past three to four days caused water levels in Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and other rivers to rise, resulting in inundation in some low-lying areas, the officials said.
Due to the rise in water levels of various rivers during the first and second week of September, around 50.49 lakh people across 88 blocks in 15 districts were affected, they said.
The affected districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnia, Madhepura and Arwal.
A total of 173 boats are being operated to facilitate evacuation and movement, the officials said, adding, through 13 community kitchens, around 17,466 people were being provided meals in East Champaran and Supaul districts at present.
The Bihar Meteorological Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places across the state over the next two days. PTI PKD RBT
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