Extremely Heavy Rainfall Devastates North Bihar and Eastern UP

Extremely Heavy Rainfall Devastates North Bihar and Eastern UP

In a dramatic weather event, North Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh have been battered by extremely heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours. The relentless downpour, driven by an active monsoon trough and cyclonic circulation, has caused widespread flooding, displacement, and infrastructure damage. Authorities are racing against time to respond as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of more rain in the coming days.

Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding

The IMD reports that several districts in North Bihar and eastern UP have received over 200 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Districts like Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, and Araria in Bihar, as well as Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, and Kushinagar in UP, are among the worst affected. Key rivers, including the Gandak, Burhi Gandak, and Ghaghra, are flowing above danger levels, worsening the flood situation.

In Bihar, Kishanganj and Purnea districts have seen entire villages submerged, forcing residents to flee to higher ground. In UP, low-lying areas of Gorakhpur are inundated, with water entering homes and disrupting daily life.

Human Toll and Displacement

The heavy rainfall has displaced thousands of families, with over 50,000 people affected in Bihar alone. Rescue operations led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are ongoing, but the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.

Tragically, the rains have claimed lives—12 in Bihar and 8 in UP—due to drowning, wall collapses, and electrocution. The loss of livestock and damage to crops have further compounded the suffering of rural communities dependent on agriculture.

Infrastructure and Communication Disrupted

The incessant rains have devastated infrastructure, with roads and bridges washed away. In Bihar, a key bridge collapse in Sitamarhi has cut off access to several villages. In UP, urban centers like Gorakhpur are grappling with severe waterlogging and power outages.

Communication networks have also been disrupted, hampering relief efforts and leaving families unable to connect with loved ones.

Health Concerns and Relief Efforts

The flooding has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and leptospirosis. Authorities are working to provide clean water and medical supplies, but the scale of the crisis remains a challenge.

Relief camps have been set up across the region, offering food, water, and shelter. However, many survivors report inadequate facilities and shortages of essential supplies. NGOs and local volunteers are stepping in to assist with relief distribution and rescue operations.

Meteorological Warnings and Long-term Impact

The IMD has issued a red alert for North Bihar and eastern UP, forecasting continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Experts attribute the extreme weather to climate change, warning that such events are becoming more frequent and severe.

The long-term impact on agriculture is expected to be devastating, with crops destroyed and fields waterlogged. While the government has announced compensation, many fear it will not cover their losses.

A Call for Action

As North Bihar and eastern UP grapple with this disaster, urgent action is needed to address the immediate crisis and build long-term resilience. Strengthening flood management systems, improving infrastructure, and investing in climate adaptation measures are critical to mitigating future impacts. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and providing relief to those in need.