Bihar, UP Live Updates: States on High Alert as Water Levels Rise, Evacuation Begins
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert after devastating flash floods in Nepal raised concerns over rising water levels in rivers flowing into India. Authorities in both states have activated emergency measures, including evacuations in vulnerable areas and the deployment of disaster-response teams.
The immediate concern is the Gandak River, which originates in Nepal, where a severe flash-flood situation has caused widespread destruction. The Central Water Commission has warned that floodwaters could travel downstream through the Gandak system and affect parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Bihar on High Alert
Bihar authorities have intensified monitoring in districts along the Gandak River. West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali are among the districts under special vigilance, while Sitamarhi and Sheohar have also been identified as vulnerable areas.
Authorities have opened all 36 gates of the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage to manage the incoming water flow. Around 86,000 cusecs of water was reportedly discharged from the barrage, according to state officials.
NDRF and SDRF personnel have been placed on alert, while officials are monitoring river levels, embankments, bridges and low-lying areas. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to follow instructions from local authorities and move to safer locations if evacuation orders are issued.
UP Districts Also on Alert
In Uttar Pradesh, Maharajganj and Kushinagar have been placed on alert because of rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district administrations to remain vigilant and make necessary preparations for any emergency.
However, officials have indicated that the immediate threat to Uttar Pradesh may be limited. A senior irrigation department official said the Gandak is expected to remain below the danger level in the affected UP districts, although authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Over 4,000 Evacuated in Bihar
As a precautionary measure, more than 4,000 people were evacuated from parts of Bihar after the Gandak surge triggered by upstream flooding. Later reports said the surge had begun to recede and embankments had withstood the pressure.
The Centre is also closely monitoring developments. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and assured them of central assistance, while NDRF teams and local relief agencies remain prepared.
Nepal Floods Trigger Downstream Concern
The emergency in India follows catastrophic flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border, where a massive ice-and-rock collapse triggered destructive flooding. The disaster caused extensive damage in Nepal and prompted downstream flood warnings in India.
Officials have urged people not to panic but to remain alert, avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and rely only on official government advisories. With water levels being monitored continuously, Bihar and UP authorities remain prepared for further changes in the situation
