The Bihar flood situation worsened on Thursday, October 1, after heavy rainfall in Nepal's Gandak basin pushed up water levels in the Gandak River. Embankments were damaged or breached at several locations, affecting low-lying areas across West Champaran, Gopalganj and Saran."Officials said more than 200 villages across West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and Saran districts have been affected by the expanding flood situation. The Water Resources Department has deployed engineers and teams for flood-fighting and monitoring operations.Z"Where did the Gandak embankments breach?In West Champaran district, the Champaran embankment has breached at multiple points. At Bagaha, the Gandak reached a record water level of 91.25 metres. Earlier breaches were reported near Kharatwa Daroga Chowk under Singhari Pipariya panchayat, Fulia Khand village in Bairia block and Makri Tesarahiya village.In Gopalganj district, the Bandhauli-Sheetalpur-Faizullahpur Zamindari Bund in Baikunthpur block breached near Sheetalpur village over a stretch of around six metres. Officials said low-lying areas around Parsauni, Sheetalpur and Pakhan could face flooding and connectivity problems.In Saran district, the right Saran embankment of the Gandak subsided near Haijalpur village in Maker block. A flood-control gate was also damaged. Authorities identified Haijalpur, Parmanand Chhapra and Naukraha as areas at risk of inundation.How badly has the flooding spread?The situation has also deteriorated in Panapur block of Saran district. On the morning of October 1, the Saran main embankment reportedly broke near Sarauja-Bhagwanpur village, close to Satjora. Reports said the breach was more than 20 feet wide and floodwater began moving towards lower-lying areas of Panapur and Taraiya.Floodwater has also affected roads and agricultural areas. Reports said water was flowing over parts of the Chapra-Muzaffarpur NH-722, while areas around Maker, Amanour, Taraiya and Panapur were facing disruption. More than 10 villages were reported affected following the Panapur breach.Why has the Gandak River risen so sharply?The main trigger has been heavy rainfall in Nepal's Gandak basin and adjoining North Bihar areas. The resulting water discharge through the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage placed sustained pressure on downstream embankments.On Tuesday, September 29, the discharge at Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage was reported at 5,43,500 cusecs at 6 a.m. The discharge remained above 5 lakh cusecs for around 13 hours and above 4 lakh cusecs for about 32 hours, increasing pressure on flood-control structures downstream.What is the administration doing now?The Bihar Water Resources Department has deployed engineering teams to vulnerable locations including Bagaha, Bettiah, Motihari and Gopalganj. Officials are carrying out round-the-clock flood-fighting work, including monitoring seepage, piping and damaged embankments.Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of West Champaran on September 30 and directed officials to remain alert and ensure relief and rescue arrangements in affected areas. Authorities are also monitoring the rising pressure on other rivers, including the Bagmati and Kosi.The immediate concern remains the continued pressure on embankments and the movement of floodwater into low-lying villages. Officials are maintaining surveillance at vulnerable points while relief and rescue operations continue across the affected districts.Also Read : Bihar Govt Taking All Necessary Measures to Reduce Flood Impact: Ram Kripal Yadav
