Bihar flood situation grim

The flood situation in Bihar remained critical as embankment breaches have been reported along several rivers, particularly impacting districts near the Indo-Nepal border.

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On Sunday, a breach occurred in the embankment of Bagmati River at Madhkaul village in Sitamarhi, while the Gandak river's left bank embankment in West Champaran was damaged due to excessive water pressure, resulting in floodwaters entering the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, officials said.

According to a statement from the state Water Resources Department (WRD), "Due to the unexpected increase in the flow and water level of the Bagmati River, minor seepages on the left and right embankments in Belsand, Parsauni, Bargania, and Rasalpur blocks of Sitamarhi district, as well as in Piprahi, Puranhiya, and Sheohar blocks of Sheohar district, were reported and immediately repaired."

In response to the damage, Nishikant Kumar, executive engineer of the Flood Control Division in Bagaha, was suspended for negligence and failure to coordinate effectively with local authorities.

The WRD emphasised the seriousness of the situation, saying, "We are taking all necessary precautions to manage the flood risk."