Patna, Sep 13: Bihar’s flood situation deteriorated further on Saturday, with nearly 48.22 lakh people affected across 15 districts as the Ganga and several other rivers continued to flow above danger levels, prompting authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations.
According to the Disaster Management Department, floods have affected 574 gram panchayats across 87 blocks in Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnia, Madhepura and Araria.
The number of affected people rose from 47.33 lakh on Friday evening to nearly 48.22 lakh.
The Water Resources Department said the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun, Bagmati and Ghaghra were flowing above danger marks at several locations.
At Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, the Ganga was flowing at 36.48 metres at 6 am, 1.98 metres above the danger level. However, the water level there was receding.
Authorities have warned that a sudden fall in water levels could increase the risk of riverbank erosion. Officials have been directed to maintain close vigil at vulnerable stretches and immediately inspect locations showing signs of erosion, bank collapse or a rapid shift in the river current.
Incessant rainfall in Bihar, coupled with heavy downpours in catchment areas of Nepal, has contributed to the swelling of rivers and streams. Bihar has recorded 108.8 mm of rainfall in September so far, around 20 per cent above normal.
Relief operations have been stepped up across the affected areas, with 1,248 community kitchens and 13 relief camps currently operational. Arrangements for accommodation, food, medical care and other essential supplies have been made for around 12,260 flood-affected people.
Authorities have so far distributed around 3.53 lakh polythene sheets, 59,500 dry-ration packets and 1,400 food packets among affected residents.
A total of 1,794 boats are being operated to facilitate evacuation and transportation, while around 11,424 quintals of animal fodder have been distributed.
For rescue and relief operations, 27 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in various districts.
The Water Resources Department has instructed officials to keep adequate resources ready at vulnerable locations and take preventive and protective measures without delay in the event of erosion or embankment threats.
The Bihar Meteorological Centre has forecast partly cloudy conditions across most parts of the state over the next two days, with the possibility of strong winds.
