The Bihar government on Wednesday intensified flood preparedness across districts along the Gandak river following warnings of a possible flash-flood wave in the river's upper catchment area in Nepal.
PATNA — The Bihar government on Wednesday intensified flood preparedness across districts along the Gandak river following warnings of a possible flash-flood wave in the river's upper catchment area in Nepal.
Preliminary assessments indicate that a flood wave of around three metres could potentially reach the Gandak, prompting authorities to place several districts on high alert.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit was held on Wednesday, with District Magistrates, senior police officers and Superintendents of Police from vulnerable districts joining via video conference.
The meeting reviewed the situation in Nepal and its possible impact on Bihar.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure that rescue, evacuation and relief arrangements are completed in advance and that people can be moved to safer locations immediately if river levels rise suddenly.
Special vigilance has been ordered in West Champaran (Bettiah), East Champaran (Motihari), Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali.
Authorities in Sitamarhi and Sheohar, along with other vulnerable districts, have also been instructed to maintain continuous monitoring.
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Officials have been directed to regularly inspect river levels, embankments, low-lying areas, bridges, culverts and other vulnerable infrastructure and immediately report any signs of damage or stress.
The state has begun pre-deploying additional emergency resources.
An NDRF team is being sent to Gopalganj, while another will remain on standby in Muzaffarpur.
Arrangements are also being made to deploy an NDRF team to Bettiah within nearly two hours.
The Sashastra Seema Bal Deputy Inspector General Sanjay Singhal has assured the availability of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and other assistance in Bettiah if required.
Districts have also been instructed to keep adequate numbers of boats, relief shelters and community kitchens ready so that evacuation and relief operations can begin without delay.
The Water Resources Department has been directed to ensure safe management of water through the Gandak Barrage and its canal system.
Engineers and other officials have been told to maintain constant vigilance and conduct regular inspections of embankments and critical water infrastructure.
Within the Gandak catchment, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung and Tanahun in Nepal have been identified as high-risk areas.
Dolakha and Sindhupalchok have been classified as high-risk zones in the Kosi catchment, while moderate risks have been forecast in several areas of the Kosi, Bagmati and Gandak catchments.
The Bihar government has emphasised that there is no need for panic, but residents in vulnerable areas should remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
District Magistrates have been asked to conduct daily media briefings and monitor social media to counter rumours and misinformation.
Residents have been urged to rely only on official and credible sources for flood-related information.