Nepal water releases trigger flooding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Heavy rainfall in Nepal and the subsequent release of massive amounts of water from several barrages have triggered significant flooding in low-lying regions of India, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

In Bihar's West Champaran district, the release of approximately 180,000 cusecs of water from the Valmiki Nagar Gandak Barrage has inundated several villages, including Chakdahwa, Bintoli, and Jhautala. Residents report being forced to wade through waist-deep water for up to three kilometers to reach essential services. The flooding has submerged main roads under nearly five feet of water, cutting off access to medical treatment and disrupting daily life for thousands of people. Local residents have expressed frustration over inadequate infrastructure, including broken roads and lack of electricity, which exacerbates the impact of the annual monsoon floods.

Simultaneously, the Saryu River is rising rapidly following the release of about 388,000 cusecs of water from three barrages in Nepal. This has increased the flood risk in Mau district, specifically affecting the Doihighat area and surrounding riverside villages. Local authorities have been placed on alert, and officials are monitoring water levels closely as they anticipate further increases in the river's flow.