Rising trend in Gandak after heavy rain in Nepal

PATNA/BAGAHA: The catchment areas of river Gandak in Nepal have received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, increasing the water discharge through the Valmiki Nagar barrage. But the situation is not alarming, water resources department (WRD) sources said.
It is learnt that the heavy rainfall was recorded at around 12-14 rain gauge stations in the Nepal catchment areas of the river.The rainfall received was in the range of 50mm to 130mm (or 5cm to 13cm).
“The 13cm of rainfall received in the last 24 hours is not small, but the situation is not alarming,” a WRD official said, adding that the details of the rainfall received in the entire Gandak, Kosi and Mahananda river basins, including that in the Nepal areas, have been sent to the DMs concerned in Bihar, as well as to the officials concerned in Nepal as a routine matter.
He said the discharge of water through the Valmiki Nagar barrage on Saturday was 1.06 lakh cusecs till 3pm, but it could increase to 1.16 lakh cusecs in the night. “The design of Valmiki Nagar barrage is set to 6.5 lakh cusecs of water,” he added.
Meanwhile, water in Gandak river witnessed a rising trend in West Champaran on Saturday following incessant rain in the catchment area in Nepal. “Around 1,06,000 cusecs of water were released from Gandak barrage downstream, said Vikas Kumar, assistant engineer, Gandak barrage at Valmikinagar division.
Sources said floodwaters spread in low-lying areas of Gandak diara under Piparasi, Madhubani, Bhitaha and Thakaraha blocks in West Champaran district. The district administration has directed the BDOs and COs concerned to maintain strict vigil on the water level and ensure preparedness for shifting diara dwellers to safer places.