PATNA: Flood fears intensified in Bihar on Saturday as persistent rains in Nepal and the state caused water levels in several rivers to rise above danger marks.The rivers were already swollen following flash floods in the neighbouring Himalayan nation earlier this week.According to the Water Resources Department, the Gandak river has crossed the danger mark in Gopalganj, while the barrage at Valmikinagar released around 99,800 cusecs of water at 8 pm on Saturday.Wednesday’s flash flood in Nepal, triggered by an ice-rock landslide, has prompted the administrations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to intensify monitoring of river systems downstream of the Himalayan rivers.“The water level of several rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak and the Ganga, has been rising. Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to rivers touching or flowing above the danger level at several places,” a senior official of the Water Resources Department told news agency PTI on Saturday.The Kosi and Burhi Gandak rivers have reached the danger level in Khagaria, Katihar and Kursela, while the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhighat in Patna, as well as Kahlgaon in Bhagalpur, according to a Water Resources Department bulletin.People residing in low-lying areas have been moved to safety, said a senior official, adding that all departments concerned have been put on alert.“District magistrates have been directed to monitor the situation personally. Flood Control Department officials and engineers are camping at certain vulnerable sites in Bhagalpur, Purnea, Katihar, West Champaran and other districts,” the official said.(With agency inputs)
