Bettiah: The rising water level of the Gandak river has triggered a flood-like situation in parts of West Champaran with the Champaran embankment breaching at three places between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The breaches, spanning nearly 65 metres, have inundated low-lying areas and agricultural fields, putting several villages at risk.The first breach occurred around 8.30pm on Monday near Kharatwa Daroga Chowk under Singhari Pipariya panchayat, where around 25 metres of the embankment connecting Bagaha and Ratwal gave way. Around 30 metres of the embankment near Fulia Khand village in Bairia block subsequently collapsed. A third breach, involving around 10 metres of the embankment connecting Ratwal and Bathwaria, was reported near Makri Tesarahiya village on Tuesday morning.Residents said seepage had been noticed at the embankment near Ward 5 of Fulia Khand panchayat. As water pressure increased during the night, the embankment collapsed. Villagers informed the water resources department, but by the time the team reached the spot, a substantial portion had already caved in. The strong current prevented immediate repair work.Floodwater has since spread across fields and low-lying areas in Fulia Khand, Shyampur, Shivrajpur and adjoining villages. Residents are struggling to move to safer locations, shift livestock and protect essential belongings. Several affected families have taken shelter on elevated portions of the embankment.The Bagaha breach has also raised concerns over flooding in more than half a dozen gram panchayats and several villages, including Chakhni, Rajwatia, Pipariya, Bargaon, Belwa, Dumaria, Patilar, Ratwal, Lagunaha and Bakwa.The district administration has stepped up relief and medical measures. On the direction of district magistrate (DM) Taranjot Singh, the medical team of PHC Bagaha-1 has been conducting medical camps and providing healthcare and relief material to affected residents. Engineers of the water resources department are monitoring the embankment and river flow.The DM said, “Following the breach in the embankment and keeping in view the possibility of a flood situation, a 30-member NDRF team has been deployed at the spot. The team is ready for relief and rescue operations in case of an emergency.”The administration has appealed to residents in low-lying areas to move to safer and higher ground. Officials said repair work would begin once the water flow and pressure recede.
