A severe flood situation has gripped several districts along the Ganges River in India, affecting millions of people and causing significant disruption. The flooding, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, has resulted in the Ganges River surpassing warning levels in various areas.
In Varanasi, the Ganga River has crossed the warning level of 70.26 meters, reaching a height of 70.76 meters, and is currently 50 cm above the warning point and 50 cm below the danger point. This has led to the inundation of several low-lying areas, affecting 4,461 people in the district. Flood relief camps have been set up, with 1,601 people from 299 families residing in these camps. The district administration has provided essential facilities, including food, medical aid, and drinking water, to those affected.
Extensive Impact Across Bihar
The flood situation is critical in multiple districts of Bihar, including Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Munger, Khagaria, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, and Katihar. Over 1.2 million people have been affected by the rising water levels of the Ganges and its tributaries. The Harhar River, a tributary of the Ganges, is also in spate, affecting several villages in the Sheikhpura district.
The flooding has resulted in eight reported deaths due to drowning in various districts, including Samastipur, Begusarai, Vaishali, Banka, and Araria. The Disaster Management Department has placed these districts on alert and is providing all necessary facilities to the affected areas. Train operations have been disrupted due to floodwaters reaching railway lines, with eight pairs of trains suspended and routes of 20 trains diverted.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The authorities have deployed 22 boats for rescue operations, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Water Police are actively involved in relief and rescue work. The district administration is continuously monitoring the water levels and has banned boat operations to ensure public safety. Medical camps have been set up in flood relief camps, and fogging is being conducted to prevent the spread of diseases.
Despite the receding water levels in some areas, the flood situation remains severe, with many residential areas, especially those along the Varuna River, still submerged. Officials are maintaining a sharp vigil and are prepared to deal with any further escalation of the flood situation.
