Bagmati River Rises in Bihar Amid Heavy Rainfall in Nepal

KKN Gurugram Desk | With continuous heavy rainfall in Nepal, the effects are now being felt in northern parts of Bihar, especially in Muzaffarpur district, where the Bagmati River is rising dangerously. Authorities have taken precautionary measures by suspending the movement of heavy vehicles on the Katra Pipa bridge, as the water level of the river inches closer to the danger mark.

The situation is being monitored closely by the Water Resources Department of Bihar, and local disaster management teams are on alert. The release of water from Nepal’s dams and upstream catchment areas has triggered the sudden surge in the river’s water level, creating concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas of north Bihar.

Heavy Rainfall in Nepal Triggers Alert in Bihar’s Border Districts

Bihar shares a long and porous border with Nepal, and rainfall patterns in the Himalayan region often influence river behavior in districts like Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, and Darbhanga.

According to officials from the Bihar Water Resources Department:

“Due to persistent rainfall in the Terai and hill regions of Nepal, rivers like Bagmati, Kamla, Gandak, and Kosi are witnessing increased inflows. The Bagmati in particular has crossed its normal level in Muzaffarpur’s Katra block.”

The Katra Pipa bridge, a vital route for local transportation and trade, has now been declared off-limits to heavy vehicles as a precaution. Authorities have said that light vehicles are still being allowed under close surveillance.

Bagmati River Water Level Nearing Danger Mark

The Bagmati River, which originates in Nepal and flows through Bihar, is known for its flood-prone nature during the monsoon season. With upstream rainfall and controlled water releases from reservoirs, the river’s flow has intensified rapidly.

Current Status:

• Water Level: Rising steadily, nearing the danger level

• Flood Alert: Issued for several villages near the embankments in Katra and Aurai blocks

• Risk Zones Identified: Low-lying agricultural fields and settlements near the riverbanks

Local residents are witnessing water logging in some fields, while embankment patrol teams have been deployed to watch for breaches or seepage.

Suspension of Heavy Vehicle Traffic: Katra Pipa Bridge Closed

In a major administrative move, the Muzaffarpur district administration has ordered the suspension of all heavy vehicle traffic on the Katra Pipa bridge. This decision comes after the bridge foundation showed stress from rising water currents.

District Magistrate of Muzaffarpur, in an official press statement, said:

“To prevent any mishap due to strong river currents and safeguard the bridge infrastructure, we have temporarily restricted heavy vehicles. Emergency vehicles and light vehicles are being allowed under controlled conditions.”

This bridge connects several rural areas with the main town and serves as a lifeline for agriculture produce transport and daily commuting.

Disaster Management and Relief Preparedness

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been put on standby, with boats, relief materials, and emergency rescue gear ready for deployment. Community awareness campaigns are also underway in vulnerable villages.

Key actions being taken:

• Round-the-clock monitoring of Bagmati’s water levels at key locations

• Deployment of engineers to inspect embankments

• Stockpiling of relief materials including food, drinking water, tarpaulins, and medicines

• Activation of flood shelters in panchayats near the river basin

The Muzaffarpur Flood Control Cell has started issuing hourly updates to media and local channels to prevent rumors and panic.

Monsoon 2025: What Experts Are Saying

Meteorologists are warning that monsoon rainfall in Nepal and the Himalayan belt this year may be above normal, leading to early and intensified flood situations in northern Bihar.

According to IMD Patna:

“We are observing active monsoon systems across eastern Nepal and adjoining Bihar. The rain-bearing clouds are stagnant due to a low-pressure system. Communities along rivers must stay vigilant.”

Hydrologists warn that Bagmati’s tributaries may also swell if the rain continues in upper catchment areas, adding more pressure on existing embankments and canals.

Bagmati River: A Recurring Flood Threat

Historically, the Bagmati River has been associated with frequent flash floods during the monsoon season. Districts like Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga face immense economic and infrastructural losses due to annual flooding.

Key facts:

• The river basin lacks sufficient flood-diversion mechanisms

• Embankments are often aged and vulnerable to breaches

• Lack of early flood forecasting leads to delayed evacuation efforts

The current situation brings back memories of past floods in 2017 and 2020, when thousands were displaced, and crops were destroyed over several thousand hectares.

Residents Speak: Growing Fear in Villages

Locals in Katra block say that the rising water is just meters away from crossing the embankment. “We’re worried that one more night of rain might flood our village,” said Ramesh Kumar, a farmer from a nearby village.

Another resident, Shabnam Devi, said, “Our livestock and grains are still in the lower barns. We’re preparing to move to higher ground.”

Such responses reflect the ground-level fear and uncertainty that creeps in whenever rivers in Bihar swell due to transboundary rainfall.

Government Advisories and Contact Information

The Bihar Disaster Management Department has released helpline numbers for real-time flood updates and rescue support.

Emergency Helpline Numbers:

• State Flood Control Room: 0612-2217305

• Muzaffarpur District Helpline: 0621-2260242

• SDRF Control Room: 1800-3456-123

The public has been advised to:

• Avoid venturing near rivers or flood-prone zones

• Keep essentials ready for emergency evacuation

• Follow verified government channels for updates

• Report any embankment cracks or unusual water flow immediately

As Bagmati River continues to rise, the situation in Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas demands high alert and coordination. While authorities have acted promptly by suspending heavy vehicles on Katra Pipa Bridge, the threat of flooding looms large if rains in Nepal persist.

Residents, farmers, and local administrators must stay prepared, as the next 48-72 hours are crucial. Timely government action and community cooperation can prevent the crisis from turning into a disaster.

Stay tuned to dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for verified updates, weather forecasts, and live reports on the Bagmati River flood situation.