Bihar and UP step up preparedness amid possible rise in water levels of rivers after flash floods in Nepal
Patna, August 26
Bihar has stepped up flood preparedness following flash floods in Nepal and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water level of the Gandak River. Six districts of the state – West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali – have been placed under heightened vigilance along the Gandak river system. Besides, District Magistrates of Sitamarhi, Sheohar and other districts have also been directed to keep a close and continuous watch on the situation.
People living in low-lying areas of Bagaha in West Champaran and Vaishali district have been urged to move to safer places at the earliest. In view of the possibility of increased water flow in the Gandak River, an NDRF team has been deployed in Gopalganj and Bettiah, while another team has been kept on standby in Muzaffarpur.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said that a high-level team has been constituted to closely monitor the situation.
In view of the situation, a high-level review meeting was held today in Patna under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit. District Magistrates and senior police officials of the concerned districts have been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and keep rescue and relief arrangements on standby.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone in view of the flood threat in Bihar due to torrential rain and glacier burst in Nepal.
Home Minister assured the state government of providing all possible assistance to deal with the emerging situation. Mr Shah added that National Disaster Response Force is being mobilised to deal with the situation.
In Uttar Pradesh, vigilance has been intensified in the bordering districts of Maharajganj and Kushinagar following severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region. Due to the flooding in Nepal, water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers may rise in both districts.
Describing the damage caused by the severe flooding in Nepal as deeply concerning, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the local administration in Maharajganj and Kushinagar to ensure all necessary preparedness measures.
CM Yogi Adityanath also instructed the local administration to maintain strict vigilance and closely monitor the rivers’ water levels.
He also prayed to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety and well-being of all those affected.