Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts on Thursday, assessing the dire situation impacting approximately 25 lakh people across 10 districts. Torrential rains have caused rivers, including the Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak, Punpun, and Ghaghara, to swell, with water levels surpassing danger marks in multiple areas, according to state officials.

The affected districts—Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar—are grappling with widespread inundation. On Wednesday, Kumar chaired a high-level meeting, directing officials to expedite relief efforts, including providing shelter, food, and medical aid to displaced residents.

The floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, have submerged villages, damaged crops, and disrupted livelihoods, with thousands relocated to relief camps. The state government has mobilized disaster response teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is assisting in rescue operations. Kumar emphasized the need for swift action to restore normalcy, instructing officials to ensure adequate supplies and infrastructure support for affected communities.

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The rising river levels, particularly in the Ganga and Kosi, have raised concerns about further deterioration, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting continued rainfall in the region. Bihar, prone to annual flooding due to its riverine geography, faces recurring challenges in managing such crises. Kumar’s aerial survey underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of flood victims while planning long-term mitigation measures to combat the state’s vulnerability to floods.

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