Heavy rainfall in Nepal has once again increased water levels in rivers flowing through Bihar, creating flood-like conditions in several districts. A ring dam along the Gandak River in Gopalganj has breached, while a major breach has also been reported in the Champaran embankment in Yogapatti, West Champaran.
The situation has caused concern among residents as rapidly moving water has entered low-lying and residential areas.
Gandak Ring Dam Breaches in Gopalganj
A section of the ring dam near Sheetalpur village in Baikunthpur block of Gopalganj district gave way under strong water pressure from the Gandak River. Water quickly moved towards nearby residential and low-lying areas, posing a flood threat to more than a dozen communities.
Several villages have been affected by the spreading water, including Sheetalpur, Faizullahpur, Khomharipur, Salempur, Narwar, Bahrampur, Gambhari, Baikunthpur, Chiutaha and Banaura. Parts of Gambhari and Banaura have also been affected.
The sudden rise in water levels has forced residents to move towards higher ground and nearby embankments. Many families have taken their livestock, important documents and foodgrain supplies with them while seeking safer locations. Flooding has also disrupted traffic on several major roads.
Rescue and Repair Operations Underway
Officials from the local administration and the Water Resources Department reached the affected area after receiving information about the breach. Efforts are underway to repair the damaged section of the ring dam and prevent further erosion.
However, the strong flow of water is making restoration work difficult. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in the affected areas to assist with rescue operations and help people who may become stranded.
Residents said water levels were continuing to rise, with hundreds of acres of agricultural land already submerged and crops at risk. The administration has appealed to people to remain calm and move to safer, elevated locations.
200-Foot Breach in Champaran Embankment
A separate breach has been reported in the Champaran embankment linking Golaghat village with Bhawanipur in Yogapatti block of West Champaran district. The damaged portion has expanded to around 200 feet, raising concerns for roughly half a dozen nearby villages.
The breach was initially estimated at around 80 feet, but the opening subsequently widened as water continued to flow through it. The rapid movement of water has created concern among residents in the surrounding areas.
Villagers Seek Immediate Repairs
Local residents have expressed anger over what they describe as a delay in the arrival of Water Resources Department officials following the breach. Villagers have urged the government and local administration to undertake immediate repair work and control the flow of water to limit further damage.
After receiving information about the situation, Yogapatti Block Development Officer Vikram Singh and Bettiah SDM Vikas Kumar reached the location late at night. The officials inspected the breached section and the surrounding affected areas.
The administration is now focused on restoring the damaged embankment as quickly as possible and controlling the water flow to prevent the situation from worsening in nearby villages.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information provided in the source material and is intended for general informational purposes. Flood conditions and administrative measures can change rapidly. Readers in affected areas should follow instructions and advisories issued by local authorities and disaster management agencies.