Flood Crisis Escalates in Bihar: Embankments Breached, Thousands Affected

The flood situation in Bihar has worsened as embankments of the Kosi and Bagmati rivers were breached, resulting in inundation of multiple villages. The state is working on a war footing with additional rescue teams being deployed. Over 16 lakh people are affected but no casualties have been reported.

The flood situation in several parts of Bihar deteriorated on Monday as the embankments of Kosi river in Darbhanga district and Bagmati river in Sitamarhi were breached, officials reported.

Late Sunday, the Kosi river breached its embankment near Kartarpur block, flooding Kirtarpur and Ghanshyampur villages in Darbhanga. Meanwhile, seepage was observed in the Bagmati river embankment in Runni Saidpur block in Sitamarhi district. Authorities assured that although the flood situation has worsened, it remains under control and no panic is necessary.

The state's water resources and disaster management departments have been operating on an emergency basis to address the breaches. Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary stated Monday that a total of six embankment breaches have been reported across the state, with some already repaired and ongoing work on others.

Additionally, the Bagmati river embankment at Madhkaul in Sitamarhi and the Gandak river's embankment in West Champaran were damaged due to high water pressure, leading to inundation in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

Despite water levels beginning to recede in several rivers, the overall situation remains severe. The National Disaster Management Authority has deployed six more teams from Varanasi and Ranchi, supplementing existing NDRF and SDRF teams for rescue operations. Over 16 lakh people have been affected, yet no fatalities have been reported so far.

(With inputs from agencies.)