Severe rainfall continues to wreak havoc across several Indian states, pushing river levels beyond danger marks and threatening low-lying areas. With rivers in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal swelling rapidly, authorities are on high alert. The situation is particularly dire in Uttarakhand, where the Alaknanda, Mandakini, and Bhagirathi rivers have surged past safety thresholds, putting districts like Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Haridwar at risk.
In Rudraprayag, the Mandakini River has hit the danger mark of 1976.8 meters, while the Alaknanda is already 0.6 meters above its red line. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of further heavy rainfall in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and other districts, which could worsen the flooding situation. Streams and rivers in these regions are expected to rise even higher, compounding the threat of flash floods and landslides.
Himachal Pradesh hasn’t been spared either. Heavy rains have triggered landslides and sudden floods, adding to the region’s woes. Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission’s Flood Forecast Monitoring Directorate has flagged alarming rises in the Ganga and its tributaries, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. An ‘orange bulletin’ has been issued for these regions, indicating severe flood risks.
Bihar is facing one of the worst-hit situations, with the Ganga River breaching danger levels in over 20 locations, including Patna, Bhagalpur, and Buxar. In Patna’s Gandhi Ghat, the river is flowing 1.27 meters above the danger mark, while in Kahalgaon, it has risen 0.69 meters beyond safe limits. Other rivers like the Burhi Gandak, Kosi, and Bagmati are also in spate, leaving thousands vulnerable.
The Gandak River in Gopalganj is particularly concerning, with waters rising at a rate of 50 mm per hour. Similarly, the Sone River in Patna’s Maner area is nearly a meter above its danger level, further straining flood control measures.
Assam’s flood situation remains critical, with the Ghormura River in Hailakandi flowing 1.69 meters above danger levels. The Katakhal and Buridehing rivers are also swelling, posing severe risks to nearby communities.
Uttar Pradesh is no exception. In Varanasi, the Ganga has surged 0.94 meters above the danger mark, while in Ghazipur, it’s 1.59 meters higher than safe levels. The Yamuna River in Prayagraj is also above the danger threshold by 0.73 meters. With Ballia, Mirzapur, and other districts experiencing similar surges, the region is bracing for more challenges as rains persist.