Gandak River flood alert issued in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Following devastating flash floods in Nepal caused by glacial-related landslides, high alerts have been issued in several Indian states, specifically Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The sudden surge in water levels in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers has impacted the Gandak River system.

At the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, authorities have opened all 36 gates to manage the rising water. Discharge levels reached approximately 1.50 lakh cusecs around midnight, with projections suggesting it could peak at 2 lakh cusecs. While officials note that these levels are lower than historical peaks seen in previous years, the risk of a 3-meter flood wave remains a concern for downstream areas.

In Bihar, nine districts are on high alert, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Siwan, Saran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, and Vaishali. In Uttar Pradesh, monitoring has been ordered for the Gandak and Narayani rivers in districts such as Maharajganj and Kushinagar.

Indian central leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah, is closely monitoring the situation and has coordinated with the Chief Ministers of both states to ensure relief and assistance. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed to sensitive areas to manage potential flooding in low-lying regions.