Three embankments breach as Gandak floods parts of Bihar’s West Champaran

Floodwaters from the Gandak River have inundated low-lying areas and agricultural fields in Bihar’s West Champaran district after at least three embankments breached over two days. The breaches occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning following heavy rain in Nepal’s catchment areas and a large discharge from the Valmikinagar barrage on the India-Nepal border. Flooding also reached parts of Bagaha town, creating panic among residents.

The first breach was reported at Kharatwa Daroga Chowk in Bagaha on September 28. A second occurred near Phulia Khad village in Bairia block, while a third was reported near Makari Tesarahiya village on September 29. Floodwaters then spread towards several surrounding villages.

The authorities said 543,000 cusecs of water was discharged from the barrage on September 28. The Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Sone rivers were also reported to be in spate, increasing the threat to border districts. The State Disaster Management Department dispatched one company each of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force.

Two additional companies were already stationed in the Champaran districts. The district administration began round-the-clock patrols of embankments to prevent further breaches. Relief camps were opened, including one at a high school in Bathana village, while 23 community kitchens were operating across West Champaran.

Residents moved to elevated embankments with belongings and livestock, and the administration distributed tarpaulin sheets. District Magistrate Taranjot Singh said water levels had begun to fall in parts of Bagaha subdivision. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted aerial surveys and directed officials to accelerate rescue and relief work.

Officials said adjoining districts remained on high alert, while reports of another breach in East Champaran had not been confirmed.