Ganges at new level of danger, rising water risks flooding the city

Patna, Sep 6: (ABN) Rising water pressure in the Ganga river has made the flood risk more serious. The Ganga water has also crossed the highest flood level (HFL) at Patna's Gandhi Ghat. After this, the water pressure is likely to move towards the downstream areas. The Department of Water Resources has directed special monitoring in Hatida and subsequent areas, describing the next one to three days as very important. According to the report, the level of Ganga reached 50.57 meters at Gandhi Ghat, while the highest level recorded here was 50.52 meters in 2016. In this way, Ganga has broken almost a decade old record. The water level is expected to rise to 50.62 meters on Sunday.
After crossing the record level at Gandhi Ghat, it is now likely to affect Hatida and subsequent Gaj stations. According to the Department of Water Resources, there is a possibility of crossing the old highest flood level in Hatida. In view of this situation, instructions have been given to take special precautions in the downstream areas of Ganga.
In the state, 66 blocks and 330 gram panchayats of 11 districts have been affected by floods due to continuous rise in the water of several rivers including Ganga. According to the Disaster Management Department, around 19.57 lakh people are affected by the floods. Relief and rescue work is going on in the affected areas.
110 community kitchens are being run in the state for the flood victims, while food and medical facilities have been arranged for the victims in 326 flood relief camps. The administration is trying to speed up the relief operations in the affected areas. According to the report, due to the rising water of the Ganga and the flooding of other rivers, the flood situation has become serious in Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Monger, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar. The urban areas of Ara and Hajipur are also reported to be flooded.
The water pressure will now remain in the low-lying areas after the Ganga's water level has risen and crossed the highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat. Its impact can be seen at gauge stations in Hatida and downstream areas for the next one to three days and may exceed the old high flood level in Hatida. Therefore, special precautions need to be taken in the areas along the banks of the Ganga in Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Monger, Bhagalpur and Katihar districts.
Concerned officers and regional officers have been asked to remain alert and continuously monitor the water level in view of the surge of water level at Gandhi Ghat towards the downstream areas.
Along with this, instructions have been given to ensure regular monitoring of the water level of the river, embankments, sensitive places and low-lying areas and to take precautionary measures in advance as required. All concerned departmental and regional engineers have been asked to keep all flood control resources and machinery in readiness.
The people of the concerned areas have also been advised not to go near the river unnecessarily and be vigilant. The local administration has been advised to monitor the operation of the boats, prevent overloading and keep people alert by providing constant information.
In the urgent instructions issued by the district administration on Sunday, people have been asked not to go unnecessarily to rivers, ghats, embankments and low-lying areas. The administration has appealed to keep children, elderly and disabled people away from rivers and waterlogged areas.
The district magistrate's office has asked people to keep information about safe places and relief camps in advance and go there immediately if required. Along with this, it is advised to completely avoid risky activities like bathing in the river, swimming, unnecessary boating and taking selfies.
The district administration has asked people to keep essential documents, medicines, mobile phones, flashlights, drinking water and other essential items safe and easily carryable in view of the threat of floods.
The district administration has appealed to people to avoid rumors and only rely on official information released by the district administration and the Disaster Management Department. It has been asked to follow the instructions of the administration and relief teams immediately in case of rising water level or flood situation.
In case of any emergency, it is requested to report to District Control Room, Patna on Tel No. 0612-2210118 and Mobile No. 8235449748. Apart from this, the emergency helpline number 1070 of the state emergency operation center can also be contacted immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day.
The district administration has appealed to the citizens to be careful, safe and alert.