Several regions of Bihar are experiencing severe flooding due to the heavy release of water from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, following intense rainfall. The continuous downpour in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to rivers reaching or surpassing the danger levels in many areas of the bordering districts. This flooding has resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands, severely impacting normal life in the affected regions.
Heavy Rainfall and Water Release from Barrages
The flooding has been exacerbated by the release of water from the Kosi and Gandak barrages. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of northern Bihar and Nepal has led to the discharge of a significant volume of water from these barrages. This water has overwhelmed local rivers, causing them to overflow and flood nearby areas.
Dam Breach in Sitamarhi
In addition to the flooding caused by the Kosi and Gandak rivers, parts of Sitamarhi were impacted by a breach in the Mandar dam in Belsand block on September 29. The breach has further worsened the flood situation in the region, putting more homes and lives at risk.
Power Grid Disruption in Muzaffarpur
The floodwaters have also reached the Katra Bakuchi Power Grid in Muzaffarpur, affecting electricity supply to around 45,000 homes. As a safety precaution, power department officials have instructed a shutdown of electricity until the water level recedes. Sunil Kumar, an engineer at the power station, reported that water had infiltrated the control room of the power grid. In anticipation of further flooding, power supply to 22 panchayats in Katra block may be cut off, leaving approximately 42,000 to 43,000 consumers without electricity.
Impact on Local Communities
Residents of Muzaffarpur and Supaul are facing immense hardships due to the floods. A resident of Muzaffarpur expressed frustration, stating, “Administration is not active, no one has come to see the situation yet.” In Supaul, the water from the Kosi River has inundated many northeastern districts, leaving homes and facilities submerged. Joginder Mehta, a resident of Supaul, described the situation, saying, “Our homes are filled with water; I have seen this kind of flooding after 1961. No one has come to meet us yet.” Another resident added, “Houses have been broken, and we are also facing a loss in agriculture.”
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary cause of the severe flooding in Bihar?
a) Drought in the region
b) Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal and water release from the Kosi Barrage
c) Earthquake
d) Dam construction in the region
Answer: b) Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal and water release from the Kosi Barrage - Which rivers’ barrages have contributed to the flooding in northern Bihar?
a) Ganga and Yamuna
b) Mahanadi and Godavari
c) Kosi and Gandak
d) Narmada and Tapti
Answer: c) Kosi and Gandak - On what date did the breach in the Mandar dam in Sitamarhi occur?
a) September 15
b) September 22
c) September 29
d) October 1
Answer: c) September 29 - How many homes lost electricity due to the flooding of the Katra Bakuchi Power Grid?
a) 10,000
b) 25,000
c) 45,000
d) 60,000
Answer: c) 45,000 - What is one of the major concerns for residents of Supaul during the flood?
a) Lack of food supply
b) Houses filled with water and loss in agriculture
c) Poor transportation facilities
d) Cold weather conditions
Answer: b) Houses filled with water and loss in agriculture