Bihar on alert: Major rivers cross danger mark as Nepal floodwaters flow into state, raise health concerns

Continuous rainfall in Bihar and heavy rain in parts of Nepal have led to a rise in water levels of several major rivers in the state, with the Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Ganga and Punpun flowing above the danger mark at several locations, according to the Bihar Water Resources Department.

All 69 gates of the Sone Barrage at Indrapuri in Rohtas district have been opened to facilitate the flow of water and help control the flood situation. The discharge through the barrage stood at 5.59 lakh cusecs till 6 pm on Sep 2, while the Kosi Barrage at Birpur recorded a discharge of 2.29 lakh cusecs and the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar recorded 1.77 lakh cusecs.

The Gandak was flowing above the danger mark at Dumaria Ghat in Gopalganj, Sidhwalia and adjoining areas, while the Kosi was above the danger mark at Baltara in Khagaria and Kursela in Katihar. The Burhi Gandak and Ganga were also above the danger mark at several locations, while the Punpun had crossed the danger mark at some places.

People living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer locations by district administrations. Authorities have been directed to maintain continuous vigilance and monitoring, stock essential materials and regularly inspect embankments. District administrations are also issuing alerts through loudspeakers and microphones in sensitive areas.

The affected districts include Bhagalpur, West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Jehanabad, Madhubani, Araria, Purnea, Katihar and Bhojpur. Flood-like conditions have also emerged in Goh block and nearby areas of Aurangabad following a rise in the Bela Punpun river, with floodwaters entering several villages.

The situation follows severe flooding in Nepal and heavy rainfall in catchment areas, which had earlier caused the water levels of the Gandak and Kosi rivers to rise in Bihar.

To regulate the river flow, all 36 gates of the Valmikinagar Barrage and 20 gates of the Kosi Barrage were opened. News On AIR reported that the water levels and discharge of both rivers had declined over the preceding 24 hours.

The administrations of West Champaran, East Champaran, Saran and Gopalganj were placed on alert amid the possibility of a further rise in water levels. The Supaul district administration also clarified that the Kosi River was rising at a normal rate and that the Kosi Barrage was completely safe.

Meanwhile, the downstream movement of floodwater from Nepal has raised health concerns in Bihar. Floodwaters from the Trishuli River have been flowing into Bihar through the Gandak and Kosi rivers, carrying mud, debris, dead fish, animals and, in some cases, human remains downstream.

Floodwater can carry sewage, faecal matter, animal waste, decomposing material, garbage, agricultural contaminants and other pathogens and if it enters wells, hand pumps, ponds, food chains or household water-storage systems, health risks can continue even after visible flooding subsides, experts have warned.

The immediate concern is waterborne disease, with contaminated water potentially contributing to diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A. As stagnant water accumulates after flooding, mosquito breeding can also increase the risk of diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

There has also been disruption of healthcare services, including access to medicines, vaccination, maternal care and routine medical treatment. People affected by displacement, loss of homes and livelihoods may also experience psychological distress, anxiety, sleep problems and depression.

Experts stressed that the presence of human remains in floodwater does not by itself mean an epidemic is likely. The greater concern is contamination of water and the disruption of sanitation and healthcare systems