Bihar has stepped up flood preparedness following flash floods in Nepal and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water level of the Gandak River. Six districts of the state – West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali – have been placed under heightened vigilance along the Gandak river system.  Besides, District Magistrates of Sitamarhi, Sheohar and other districts have also been directed to keep a close and continuous watch on the situation. 

 

People living in low-lying areas of Bagaha in West Champaran and Vaishali district have been urged to move to safer places at the earliest. In view of the possibility of increased water flow in the Gandak River, an NDRF team has been deployed in Gopalganj and Bettiah, while another team has been kept on standby in Muzaffarpur.

 

Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said that a high-level team has been constituted to closely monitor the situation.

 

In view of the situation, a high-level review meeting was held today in Patna under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit. District Magistrates and senior police officials of the concerned districts have been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and keep rescue and relief arrangements on standby.

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone in view of the flood threat in Bihar due to torrential rain and glacier burst in Nepal.

 

Home Minister assured the state government of providing all possible assistance to deal with the emerging situation. Mr Shah added that National Disaster Response Force is being mobilised to deal with the situation.