Flood threat looms over Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh

The low pressure area in Rajasthan and adjoining Madhya Pradesh is moving towards Uttarakhand at the moment due to which rain in the state will continue for another 2-3 days. Thereafter, this weather system will move eastward into Nepal and give some good rain over the region. Though, the system (Low Pressure Area) might have weakened by then, the intensity of rain could be good as the topography of the region is such that they respond to these weather systems.

However, heavy rainfall in Nepal does not raise alarm in the country but is a cause of worry for Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh. Several places in Bihar, and East Uttar Pradesh situated along the foothills of the Himalayas generally face the flood fury due to heavy rains in Nepal.

The plains of Bihar, adjoining Nepal are drained by a number of rivers, which have their catchments in the Himalayas. Rivers like Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, originate in Nepal and usually drop down a lot of sediment load in the plains of Bihar.

Bihar is one of the most flood-prone states of our country. According to historical data available with Skymet, about 16.5% of the total flood affected area in India is located in Bihar. The state had witnessed severe floods in the years 1978, 1987, 1998, 2004 and 2007.

 

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