Patna, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bihar government has stepped up flood preparedness across districts along the Gandak river after warnings of a possible flash-flood wave in its upper catchment in Nepal, with authorities preparing for a potential sudden rise in water levels.
Preliminary assessments suggest that a flood wave of around three metres could reach the Gandak, prompting the state to place several vulnerable districts on high alert.
Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday, attended virtually by District Magistrates, senior police officers and Superintendents of Police from vulnerable districts. The meeting assessed the situation in Nepal and its possible impact on Bihar.
Amrit directed officials to complete rescue, evacuation and relief preparations in advance so that residents can be shifted to safer locations immediately if water levels rise rapidly.
Special vigilance has been ordered in West Champaran (Bettiah), East Champaran (Motihari), Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali. Sitamarhi, Sheohar and other vulnerable districts have also been asked to maintain continuous monitoring.
Officials have been directed to regularly inspect river levels, embankments, low-lying areas, bridges, culverts and other vulnerable infrastructure and immediately report signs of damage or stress.
The state has begun pre-positioning emergency resources. An NDRF team is being sent to Gopalganj, while another will remain on standby in Muzaffarpur. An NDRF team is also being prepared for deployment to Bettiah within nearly two hours, if required.
Sashastra Seema Bal Deputy Inspector General Sanjay Singhal has assured the availability of Quick Reaction Teams and other assistance in Bettiah.
District authorities have been told to keep sufficient boats, relief shelters and community kitchens ready. The Water Resources Department has been directed to ensure safe management of water through the Gandak Barrage and canal system, with engineers instructed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance over embankments and critical water infrastructure.
In Nepal, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung and Tanahun have been identified as high-risk areas in the Gandak catchment. Dolakha and Sindhupalchok are high-risk zones in the Kosi catchment, while moderate risks have been forecast in parts of the Kosi, Bagmati and Gandak catchments.
The Bihar government said there was no need for panic but urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official instructions. District Magistrates have also been asked to conduct daily media briefings and monitor social media to counter rumours and misinformation.
Residents have been advised to rely only on official and credible sources for flood-related updates.
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