Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Aug 14: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas across the state on Thursday, urging officials to ramp up relief and rescue efforts as major rivers—including the Ganga and Kosi—breached danger levels in several districts.
Accompanied by Water Resources Minister Vijay Chaudhary and senior administrative officials, Kumar flew over some of the worst-hit regions such as Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Begusarai, and Khagaria, where floodwaters have inundated low-lying areas and displaced thousands of residents.
The aerial inspection, originally scheduled for August 13, was delayed due to inclement weather that grounded the Chief Minister's helicopter.
According to the Water Resources Department, more than 17 lakh people across 24 districts have been impacted by the ongoing floods. Authorities have issued Yellow and Orange alerts in several areas as ten rivers, including the Ganga, remain in spate.
Regular review meetings are being held at the Chief Minister’s residence to monitor the situation. Kumar emphasized the need for swift evacuation, efficient distribution of relief materials, and timely medical assistance.
“The government is doing everything possible to ease public suffering,” he assured.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings, forecasting continued rainfall over the next few days, which could further aggravate the flood situation. Thunderstorms accompanied by light to heavy rainfall are expected to persist across Bihar, pushing rivers such as the Ganga, Kosi, and Bagmati closer to or beyond danger levels in multiple regions.
Khagaria district emerged as the worst-hit in the last 24 hours, recording 206 mm of rainfall. Other notable figures include 188.6 mm in Mansi (Khagaria), 157.4 mm in Parsa (Saran), 135.2 mm in Taibpur (Kishanganj), and 122.4 mm in Raniganj (Araria). Rainfall between 76 and 98 mm was also reported in Purnea, Rohtas, and Begusarai.
In the state capital Patna, intermittent showers brought 29.1 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, causing waterlogging in areas such as Kankarbagh, Patna Junction, Danapur, and Patna City. The IMD has forecast light to moderate showers with thunderstorms for the next 24 hours in the city.
A heavy to very heavy rainfall alert has been issued for northern districts including Kishanganj, Araria, and Supaul, while wind speeds of 30–40 km/h are expected across southern districts such as Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur. Kishanganj has already reported gusts of up to 33 km/h.
As floodwaters continue to rise and the weather forecast remains grim, the state machinery is on high alert, bracing for intensified rescue operations and relief efforts in the days ahead.