The Water Resources Department (WRD) said the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm in the past four hours to reach 50.53 metres at 10 am on Saturday, which is 1 cm above the highest flood level.
The department forecast that the water level at Gandhi Ghat is likely to rise further to 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday and advised people to exercise caution.
The river is expected to rise further, with forecasts indicating the possibility of a new highest flood level being recorded at the gauge site.
The WRD also directed all district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to take precautionary measures, alert people living on the river-facing side of embankments and ensure continuous patrolling by special teams to deal with flood emergencies.
Several districts in Bihar are experiencing flood-like conditions as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Punpun and Ghaghra rivers are flowing above danger marks following heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring Nepal.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas on Friday and reviewed relief and rescue operations. He directed officials to identify affected families, ensure timely relief and continuously monitor vulnerable areas and the Ganga embankments from Buxar to Bhagalpur to prevent erosion and breaches.
Talking to reporters in Patna on Saturday, BJP national president Nitin Nabin said, "The chief minister is monitoring the situation. The government is fully aware of the fact. All of us are making efforts to ensure that people face the least possible difficulties during this disaster."
He also said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also monitoring the situation at the Centre. Particularly in matters concerning disasters, the government should stand firmly with the people. These conditions have been persisting following the disaster in Nepal and continued rainfall."
With the Ganga already 1 cm above the highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat and the water level forecast to rise further, authorities have stepped up precautionary measures across vulnerable areas amid continuing flood-like conditions in several districts of Bihar.
About The Author
Comment List