Nepal floods spill into India as Bihar and UP brace for rising waters

Lucknow: Several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are facing flood-like conditions following water release and increased inflow from neighbouring Nepal, disrupting residential areas and raising concerns in low-lying regions.

In Uttar Pradesh, areas in districts including Varanasi, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot have reported waterlogging and disruption. Authorities have conducted aerial inspections and continued monitoring affected areas while arranging essential relief supplies for displaced and affected families. Although water levels have started receding in some locations, flood-like conditions remain in several areas.

In Bihar, the rising water level of the Ganga has created flood-like conditions in low-lying areas along the riverbanks, including parts of Patna. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to move to safer and higher ground as administrative teams monitor the situation.

The Bihar government has begun preparations for relief camps, community kitchens and medical facilities in areas likely to be affected. Officials have also urged residents to follow official advisories and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Ganga water level monitored

According to Central Water Commission data recorded at 10am on September 6, the Ganga's water level at Rajghat in Varanasi was 69.80 metres. The warning level is 70.262 metres, while the danger level stands at 71.262 metres. The highest flood level is 73.901 metres.

The water level at the location was showing a falling trend of around 1 cm per hour, although authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is overseeing the flood response and conducting an aerial survey of affected areas to assess conditions on the ground. He has also issued instructions to officials regarding relief and rescue operations.

Flood conditions in Maner and Katihar

In Patna's Maner area, rising Ganga levels have affected the Diara region. RJD MP Misa Bharti visited affected areas along with RJD MLA Bhai Virendra and Block Development Officer Puja Kumari.

According to the block administration, six panchayats in Maner are fully affected while two others are partially affected. Relief shelters have been established at two locations.

Officials have also identified pregnant women in affected areas and said arrangements would be made to transport them by boat to the Primary Health Centre in Maner when required.

In Katihar, the administration said it was providing assistance according to government guidelines. Officials said water levels began rising around two to three days ago, resulting in the inundation of villages and the movement of residents towards higher ground.

Relief measures include the distribution of plastic sheets and arrangements for food and drinking water. Officials said dry rations or community kitchens would be provided in areas where cooking facilities remain unavailable for an extended period.

Three panchayats in the area have reached a point where residents have had to move, with relief being provided according to local requirements.

Authorities remain on alert

Administrations in the affected areas have urged residents to avoid rumours, follow official instructions and move to safer locations whenever necessary. Relief and rescue teams remain on alert as authorities continue monitoring river levels and flood-prone areas.

The situation highlights the continuing vulnerability of low-lying communities along the Ganga and other flood-prone areas in northern India during periods of heavy water inflow. While some locations are showing signs of improvement, authorities are maintaining preparedness as conditions remain fluid.

The immediate focus is on preventing loss of life and ensuring access to food, drinking water, shelter and medical care in affected areas. The reported fall in the Ganga's level at Rajghat is a positive indicator, but warning and danger levels remain important benchmarks for authorities monitoring downstream conditions.

The situation also underlines the importance of coordinated flood management between central agencies, state administrations and local authorities. Aerial surveys can help officials identify inundated areas and prioritise relief, while community kitchens, temporary shelters and evacuation arrangements are particularly important for residents unable to access normal facilities.