look news india
The direct and fatal impact of the continuous devastating monsoon rains in the hilly and Terai areas of Nepal has started becoming visible on the border areas of North Bihar. Due to the rise in water level in the catchment areas of the neighboring country, major border rivers like Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Kamala Balan are becoming fierce. Especially the rapidly rising water level of Gandak river has created a huge crisis situation in West Champaran district.
In view of the spate of the river, technical teams are monitoring the operation of all the gates of Valmikinagar Barrage located on the Indo-Nepal border round the clock. Due to the record amount of water being released from the barrage, dozens of downstream villages are directly on the verge of flood.
Bettiah district administration on high alert mode: leaves of officers canceled
Sensing the serious danger, Bettiah (West Champaran) district administration has come into full action mode. The District Disaster Management Authority has declared high alert in the district. Circle Officers and Block Development Officers of the coastal blocks—Bagaha, Piprasi, Madhubani, Bhitaha, Thakraha, Bairia, Nautan and Majhauliya—have been instructed to remain in the field and monitor the situation 24 hours a day.
A team of engineers from the Water Resources Department is continuously patrolling the embankments for safety. At places where river pressure is high, emergency anti-erosion work has been started on war footing by boulder crating, sand filled geo-bags and protection of spurs. The administrative machinery is fully prepared to avoid any kind of negligence.
Public announcement to move from lower areas of Gandak to higher places
In view of the rising water level of the river and possible erosion, the administration has issued a clear warning to the villagers living in Diara and low-lying areas. Local people are being appealed through miking and loudspeakers to immediately move towards safe higher places, schools, panchayat buildings and relief camps along with their essential goods, cattle and children.
The speed of water flow in the catchment area of the river is so fast that the water level can rise by several feet in a few hours. The administration has warned people not to be under the illusion of falling water level and to reach safe shelters before nightfall. Boats and motorboats have been marked and kept on standby, so that in case of water ingress, villagers can be evacuated without delay.
NDRF and SDRF teams deployed: Preparations for relief camps intensified
To deal with any emergency, special rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in sensitive areas of Bettiah and Bagaha. These teams have state-of-the-art inflatable boats, life jackets and diving equipment.
Along with this, the Health Department has been instructed to provide sufficient quantities of pure drinking water tablets, ORS packets, anti-snake venom for the treatment of snake bites and essential life-saving medicines. The Animal Husbandry Department has also started arrangements for fodder and vaccination of cattle during floods, so that epidemic does not spread among the animals during waterlogging.
24-hour guard on embankments: Strict instructions to avoid rumors
Security arrangements have been tightened on the left and right main embankments of Gandak. Departmental engineers along with local watchmen and village defense teams are closely monitoring each part of the embankments.
The district administration has also appealed to the general public not to pay heed to misleading and intimidating rumors spreading on social media. For any emergency or assistance, immediately contact the official numbers of the District Control Room. The administrative machinery is active round the clock to control the situation and keep the loss of life and property at zero level.