Patna: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall across Bihar over the next three days, the state govt on Thursday issued a flood alert and directed officials to step up preparedness measures.The IMD issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain on Friday in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar and Madhubani. The remaining districts, including Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Jehanabad, Khagaria, Jamui and Banka, have been placed under a yellow alert.IMD weather scientist Anand Shankar said, “Bihar will experience fairly widespread rainfall across several districts over the next three days, but the intensity of rain may decrease again from next week.”Shankar said the state continued to face a rainfall deficit this monsoon season. Since the onset of the monsoon in June, Bihar has recorded 53% less rainfall than normal, although it has received nearly half of its seasonal quota so far.Meanwhile, deputy chief minister and water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary issued a general flood alert and directed field engineers and other department personnel to remain on high alert. Addressing a review meeting at the water resources department headquarters, he asked officials to complete all pending anti-erosion works within a week.“This is a testing time for the department, and those who perform exceptionally well will be rewarded,” Vijay said.He stressed round-the-clock monitoring of embankments, stocking of flood-fighting materials and removal of encroachments. The deputy CM also called for close surveillance of rat and fox burrows, which can weaken embankments, and directed officials to maintain vigilance along identified vulnerable stretches during the flood season.
