Patna: Heavy rain in Nepal and several parts of Bihar over the past 24 hours led to a sharp rise in the water levels of the Kosi and Gandak rivers, inundating low-lying areas in north Bihar. While floodwaters entered villages in Darbhanga and Khagaria districts, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and lightning across the state for the rest of the week.The Kosi recorded the sharpest rise among north Bihar’s major rivers, prompting authorities to open 26 gates of the Birpur barrage to release excess water. According to the water resources department’s flood bulletin, the discharge at the Barahkshetra barrage in Nepal increased from 1.28 lakh cusecs on Saturday night to 1.52 lakh cusecs on Sunday afternoon.The discharge at the Birpur barrage rose from 1.65 lakh cusecs to 1.86 lakh cusecs during the same period. The Gandak, too, showed a rising trend, although water discharge at the Valmikinagar barrage remained lower at 1.21 lakh cusecs.Floodwaters from the Kosi entered parts of Kusheshwar Sthan block in Darbhanga district and Alauli in Khagaria district, both of which fall within the river’s natural floodplain. Videos from Kusheshwar Sthan showed families moving to safer places in boats, while elderly residents stayed behind to guard their homes and belongings.At present, the Kosi and Bagmati are flowing above the danger mark at one location each downstream.Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in urban areas. Parts of Begusarai and Raxaul towns remained under knee-deep water after overnight showers, while Patna received 34mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. Other districts that recorded significant rainfall included Kishanganj, Araria, Lakhisarai and Vaishali.In Patna, around five hours of rain caused water accumulation at New Market, Karbigahia, Khaitan Market, Gandhi Maidan Gate No. 3 and near Rajendra Nagar Terminal. Civic authorities claimed that most stretches were cleared within 30 minutes of the rain stopping.Patna Municipal Corporation and Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd deployed quick response teams and operated 56 pumping stations through the night. Trees uprooted near the airport and Radio Station Roundabout were also removed.Despite the claims, several residents complained of mud, potholes and foul smell in localities after the rain. Civic teams have been kept on alert in view of the forecast of more showers.
