Bihar: Flood alert in 13 districts; 16L people at risk
What's the story
The Bihar government has put out a flood alert for 13 districts due to the rising water levels in the Kosi, Gandak, and Ganga rivers.
This come after water was released from the Valmikinagar and Birpur barrages on Saturday.
More than 16.28 lakh people, who are already grappling with flooding due to heavy rainfall, are likely to be affected.
Rising waters
Record water discharge from barrages raises concerns
The state Water Resources Department (WRD) reported an unprecedented increase in water discharge from the rivers due to heavy rainfall in Nepal.
The Birpur Barrage on the Kosi River released a record 5.79 lakh cusecs of water, the highest in 56 years, according to Santosh Kumar Mall, Principal Secretary of the state WRD.
Similarly, Valmikinagar Barrage discharged 5.38 lakh cusecs of water by Saturday evening, marking its highest release since 2003.
Preventive measures
Traffic halted and embankments monitored amid flood threat
In response to the rising water levels, traffic movement near Kosi barrage has been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Mall assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of embankments.
"The teams of the WRD are monitoring the embankments on 24/7 basis' so that prompt action can be taken as soon as any erosion or danger is detected," he stated.
Widespread impact
Rising river levels and flood alerts across Bihar
"Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to rivers touching or flowing above the danger level at several places in the bordering districts," a senior official added.
He added that Nepalese authorities released 5.40 lakh cusecs of water in the Gandak barrage till 7:00pm on Saturday, as well as 4.99 lakh cusecs in the Kosi barrage.