Emergency Relief Measures Ramp Up in Bihar Amid River Overflows

Patna, Sept 1 – As the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak and Son rivers breach critical thresholds, Bihar’s emergency response machinery is being activated on an unprecedented scale. District officials and the Water Resources Department have intensified vigilance and deployed rescue assets across flood‑vulnerable districts.

Current measurements record the Kosi at Veerpur‑Bairaj at 192,735 cusecs downstream, the Gandak at Valmiki Nagar at 150,200 cusecs, and the Son at Indrapuri at a staggering 425,854 cusecs. The Ganga’s stage at Gandhi Ghat in Patna is now 80 cm above the danger mark, with a projected rise of another 20 cm by dawn.

Buxar’s gauge shows water 34 cm below danger level, yet a 17 cm rise is expected by the afternoon. District Magistrate Sahila inspected the red‑zone of Lalkhanpura and instructed the Sub‑Divisional Officer of Simri to station boats, experienced boatmen and certified divers for immediate evacuation.

In Banglore, the Ganga’s intensified flow has triggered erosion at the Kaji‑Koreya‑Raghopur marginal dam, where protective works are being carried out around the clock. Engineers, labor crews and heavy machinery have been mobilised to reinforce the Mahadevpur dam, which remains under pressure from fast‑moving currents.

Structural damage has been reported to ageing constructions, including a temple caught in the river’s erosive path. Relief teams have opened community kitchens at Shankarpur and Nathnagar middle schools, supplementing four pre‑existing kitchen sites. Additional shelters with cooking facilities are being established at Ganesha Bassa, Sahu Eent Bhattha and Janvi Chowk, delivering food, drinking water and basic medical care.

Officials have appealed to the public to stay away from flooded zones, shun rumors and rely solely on verified government bulletins.