Bihar's Bhagalpur Villages Face Flooding Due to Embankment Breach

Several villages in Bihar's Bhagalpur district were inundated on Tuesday due to a breach in the embankment by the Ganga river, officials reported. Approximately 2,000 villagers were relocated to safer areas. The Water Resources Department (WRD) stated that the Ganga exerted pressure on protective structures along its bank in Bhagalpur district.

Immediate Response and Repair Efforts

Bihar Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary mentioned that materials have been sourced from outside for urgent repairs following the embankment breach. Additionally, two teams of senior WRD officials have been dispatched to the site for immediate repair and rescue operations, he said on Tuesday.

The district administration has mobilised the State Disaster Rescue Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to manage the situation. Officials noted that continuous rainfall in the state and in Nepal's catchment areas has caused rivers to flow above danger levels at several locations.

Impact on Local Villages

The flood affected Karari Teentanga, Budhchak, and other nearby areas within the Gopalpur division. The incident occurred as the water level began receding from August 19, causing the river's current to accelerate and damage around 60 metres of the Ismailpur-Bindtoli embankment.

Officials highlighted that most rivers are currently swollen, creating a flood-like situation in the Kosi-Seemanchal region. Incessant rainfall has exacerbated the situation, leading to rivers flowing above danger levels at multiple points.

Efforts are ongoing to manage and mitigate the impact of the flooding. The authorities are focused on ensuring safety and providing necessary aid to those affected by this natural disaster.