India – Floods and Rain Affect 300,000 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

by in Asia, News

Flooding in the state of Bihar in north eastern India has affected over 200,000 people across 8 districts. Flooding is also affecting parts of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar

According to Bihar state’s disaster management agency, a total of 218,000 people have been affected, with 65,000 of that total over the last few days. Flooding has affected area of Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and East Champaran districts.

As of 16 July, rivers including the Adhwara, Kosi, Bagmati, Mahananda and Ghagra were at “Severe Flood Situation” (warning level 2 of 3) in 14 locations. However, according to the latest report from India’s Central Water Commission (CWC), many rivers in the state are showing signs of steadying or falling. However, as of 16 July, the Adhwara and Bagmati rivers in Darbhanga district and the Gandak river in Muzaffarpur were expected to rise further.

As of 16 July, a total of 3,676 people had evacuated their homes, including 1,600 over the last 24 hours. Bihar Disaster Management said 13 relief camps have been set up and were housing 2,731 people as of 16 July.

Uttar Pradesh

Meanwhile in neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, flooding was reported in the districts of Gorakhpur and Ballia, where the Ghagra river is at Severe Flood Situation, standing at 64.35 metres as of 16 July, where the danger levels if 64.01 metres. In Gorakhpur, the Rapti river stood at 75.33 metres at Birdghat, above the danger mark of 74.96 metres.

Disaster authorities in India report that 76,000 people in the state have been affected by flooding or heavy rains since the start of this year’s monsoon. Affected districts include Ayodhya, Gonda, Bahraich, Barabanki, Kushinagar and Balrampur. Two people have lost their lives and 162 houses have been damaged.

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