Heavy showers lift river levels; Sone Barrage fully opened
PATNA: Continuous rainfall across Bihar over the past 24 hours has driven several rivers above the danger mark, prompting the state water resources department to open all 69 gates of the Sone Barrage at Indrapuri in Rohtas district to release excess water and manage flood threats, officials said.
The latest bulletin from the Bihar Water Resources Department (WRD), cited by PTI, shows the Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Ganga and Punpun rivers flowing above danger levels at multiple monitoring points. In response, district administrations have started precautionary measures including shifting people from low-lying areas to safer locations.
"All departments concerned are on alert," a senior WRD official said, adding directions for continuous vigilance, stockpiling essential materials and regular inspection of embankments.
Officials reported no casualties so far. The WRD noted that discharges from barrages across the state were high as rivers swelled with rainfall and upstream inflows. The Gandak was reported above the danger mark at Dumaria Ghat in Gopalganj and at Sidhwalia and adjoining stretches. The Kosi had crossed the danger level at Baltara in Khagaria and Kursela in Katihar.
District-by-district rainfall and alerts
The India Meteorological Department's latest rainfall bulletin recorded light to moderate rain in numerous districts since September 1. The WRD said district administrations were issuing public alerts through loudspeakers and microphones in vulnerable pockets.
- Districts recording rain: Araria, Arwal, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Jamui, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhisarai, Madhubani, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnea, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Vaishali, West Champaran and Aurangabad.
- Rivers above danger mark: Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Ganga, Punpun at select locations.
- Precautionary actions: Evacuation of low-lying households, embankment inspections, stockpiling of relief material and continuous monitoring by departments.
Local impact and administration response
Opening all 69 gates of the Sone Barrage at Indrapuri is a major operational step intended to expedite downstream flow and relieve pressure on upstream stretches. While this reduces risk near the barrage itself, it can increase downstream flow volumes temporarily; district administrations downstream have been asked to remain vigilant.
Authorities said teams are carrying out regular inspections of embankments and are issuing timely advisories to residents in flood-prone areas. Mobile public-address systems are being used to alert communities at short notice. The WRD directed concerned agencies to keep essential materials ready and maintain continuous monitoring of river gauges and local flood indicators.
Where the water stands — selected locations
| River | Location(s) reported | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gandak | Dumaria Ghat (Gopalganj), Sidhwalia and adjoining areas | Above danger mark |
| Kosi | Baltara (Khagaria), Kursela (Katihar) | Above danger mark |
| Burhi Gandak / Ganga / Punpun | Several locations across state | Above danger/warning levels at multiple sites |
Health, livelihood and next steps
Flood warnings come at a time when communities reliant on agriculture and riverine fisheries are vulnerable. Displacement and inundation can interrupt cropping, damage stored produce and constrain access to markets and health services. The WRD and district administrations have been asked to co-ordinate with health, disaster response and local governance bodies to ensure rapid relief and avoid secondary hazards such as waterborne disease.
The bulletin did not list casualties, but officials emphasised that rapid changes in river behaviour demand continuous surveillance. Residents of low-lying and embankment-adjacent villages were urged to heed evacuation notices and avoid crossing swollen streams. Those responsible for relief camps have been told to maintain provisions and medical supplies.
State agencies will continue to monitor rainfall and river gauge readings and issue further advisories as the situation evolves. The WRD has instructed teams to inspect embankments regularly and to keep the public informed through loudspeakers and other means in sensitive areas.
Given persistent rain in many districts, authorities said they would maintain heightened preparedness until river levels recede and upstream inflows stabilise.
Report compiled from the latest Bihar Water Resources Department bulletin and the India Meteorological Department rainfall advisory, as reported by PTI.
