LUCKNOW/PATNA: The flash floods that swept through parts of Nepal on Wednesday have triggered alerts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with authorities in both states closely monitoring the Gandak and Narayani rivers and preparing for a possible rise in water levels.The concern stems from the link between the Narayani river in Nepal and the Gandak river in India, news agency PTI reported.As the flood situation worsened in Nepal, Bihar authorities opened all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar as a precautionary measure.Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials in Maharajganj and Kushinagar to remain on heightened alert.
Why is the Narayani-Gandak link important?
The Narayani river is the river being monitored in Nepal, while the Gandak is the river system being watched downstream in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the water resources department portfolio, said around 86,000 cusecs of water was discharged from the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar around noon, with the trend showing a further rise.“The WRD has taken immediate precautionary measures. All 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar have been opened, and a technical team led by a Superintending Engineer has been deployed at the barrage. Warnings have also been issued to all districts in the Gandak river basin”, said the deputy CM.Officials said opening all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage can facilitate the flow of water and help control the flood situation, PTI reported.
Why is Bihar watching the situation closely?
The water level of the Narayani river at the Devghat gauge site in Nepal stood at 4.77metres, against a danger level of 9metres and a warning level of 7.30metres.Officials said that if the river level rises further, the surge is expected to reach the Gandak Barrage in around 3.5 hours.Choudhary said Bihar needed to remain on alert for the next five to six hours and throughout the night following the floods in Nepal.He said the situation was more serious than before but remained under control for now, PTI reported.Bihar has ordered special vigilance in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, besides other vulnerable districts such as Sitamarhi and Sheohar.Officials have been asked to monitor water levels of the Gandak and other rivers, embankments, low-lying areas, bridges and other vulnerable locations and alert local communities in time.District administrations have also been directed to keep evacuation plans, boats, shelters and community kitchens ready.An NDRF team will be sent to Gopalganj, while another will be kept on standby in Muzaffarpur. Arrangements are also being made for deployment of an NDRF team in Bettiah.
Why is UP also on alert?
The possible rise in the Gandak and Narayani rivers has also prompted Uttar Pradesh to step up preparedness in districts along the Nepal border.Chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the flash floods in Nepal and directed the administrations of Maharajganj and Kushinagar to take all necessary measures to deal with any potential emergency.Maharajganj shares a border with Nepal, while Kushinagar is adjacent to Maharajganj.According to the Uttar Pradesh government statement, the impact of the floods in Nepal is likely to cause a rise in the water levels of the Gandak and Narayani rivers in the two districts.Adityanath directed the local administration to closely monitor the river water levels and maintain heightened vigilance to deal with any situation.
What happened in Nepal?
A massive flash flood swept through parts of central Nepal bordering Tibet early Wednesday, killing at least 31 people and leaving nearly 400 people reported missing, according to the latest details.At least 105 Indians and 37 NRIs are among those reported missing.The sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River struck the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area at around 9am local time, affecting Rasuwa as well as parts of neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.The flooding washed away vehicles, goods, bridges and other infrastructure, while several hydropower projects were also damaged.The list of missing travellers is preliminary and is being verified by the Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations, with helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs being used to locate missing people and assist those stranded in affected areas.
What is the immediate concern for India?
The immediate concern is whether the flood situation in Nepal will lead to a further rise in water levels downstream.An advisory was issued after a sudden rise in the water level of Nepal’s Trishuli river at Furke Khola was reported.The flood wave is expected to move downstream into the Gandak river, with its intensity likely to reduce as it travels.Authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along the India-Nepal border have been asked to remain alert and closely monitor the situation.The focus in both states is on monitoring the river levels and ensuring that rescue and relief preparations are in place.(With agency inputs)
