Patna: Even as the Ganga water level fell steadily at Gandhi Ghat on Sunday, there was no immediate respite from floodwaters in the lower parts of Patna and downstream areas. The river continued to flow above the danger level from Gandhi Ghat to Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district and beyond, prompting the govt to step up vigilance along vulnerable stretches.The biggest relief came from the Sone, where discharge through Indrapuri barrage fell sharply from the season’s highest 5.54 lakh cusecs recorded on Wednesday to 2 lakh cusecs at noon on Sunday and further to 1.96 lakh cusecs by 3pm. As the Sone meets the Ganga near Patna, the reduced discharge has eased pressure at Digha and Gandhi Ghat. The situation is expected to improve further by Monday morning as floodwaters have started receding, albeit slowly.The Ganga crossed its highest flood level (HFL) mark of 50.58 metre at Gandhi Ghat for the first time in 10 years on Saturday. Its level fell to 50.52 metre by 3pm, though it remained 1.92 metre above the danger level. A similar situation prevailed at Hathidah, where the river crossed its HFL mark and remained 1.76 metre above the danger level.Officials have warned that the flood surge could move further downstream with its impact expected to be felt at Hathidah and subsequent gauge stations over the next one to three days. Authorities have also cautioned the river could cross the previous highest flood level at Hathidah.Further downstream, the pressure has shifted towards the eastern districts. At Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, the Ganga was 2.06 metre above the danger level, while at Kahalgaon it was 1.42 metre above the mark. The northern diaras of Bhagalpur and lower parts of Katihar, situated between the Ganga and Kosi, have also been bearing the brunt of the floodwaters. Floodwaters have overtopped a protection bund near Saidpur village in northern Bhagalpur.The water resources department has directed officials in Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar to remain alert and make all necessary preparations to protect vulnerable embankments and prevent breaches. Regional and field-level officials have been asked to continuously monitor river levels, embankments, vulnerable locations and low-lying areas. Engineers involved in flood-control operations have been told to keep machinery, equipment and other resources ready for immediate deployment.The pressure from the Gandak has eased, with discharge through Valmikinagar barrage remaining steady at 1.29 lakh cusecs throughout Sunday. The Kosi, however, saw its discharge rise from 1.75 lakh cusecs at noon to 1.96 lakh cusecs by 3pm. As of Sept 6, the Kosi discharge at Birpur was recorded at 1,73,255 cusecs, while the Sone discharge at Indrapuri was 2,27,717 cusecs and showing a declining trend.The govt and disaster management department have intensified relief and rescue measures across flood-affected areas. Waterlogging has affected nearly 19.57 lakh people in 330 gram panchayats across 66 blocks in 11 districts — Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Arwal.Ten NDRF and 27 SDRF teams have been deployed in affected districts, while 1,345 boats are operating across the state to transport people and evacuate residents to safer locations. A relief camp is providing accommodation, food and medical care to 326 displaced people. Authorities have distributed around 55,500 polythene sheets and 10,400 dry-ration packets among affected families. Besides, 110 community kitchens are operating in flood-hit areas, providing hot meals to people. Around 1.98 lakh people have benefited from these kitchens so far.The Patna district administration has advised people, particularly children, the elderly and the infirm, to stay away from the river. Children and youths have been warned against entering the river or taking selfies near its banks. People shifting from flooded homes have been advised to carry land and other documents, torches and essential items. The emergency number 1070 has been issued for assistance. Authorities have also been asked to monitor boat operations, prevent overloading and keep residents informed about the situation.Rainfall remains another concern. Bihar recorded 590.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and Sept 6. The Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra has forecast light to moderate rain at several places and heavy rainfall at some locations over the next two days. The Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Bagmati are flowing above danger levels at some locations. The disaster management department and district administrations have been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure relief and rescue assistance reaches affected residents without delay.
