The weather gods seem to be wreaking havoc in large parts of the state of Bihar. 13 of its Northern Districts are on a state of high alert, even as teams from the National Disaster Relief Force from Guwahati have been brought in to deal with the situation.
The Ganga River is flowing above the danger mark. Lakhisarai District has been the worst affected in the state. Apart from the Ganges, other rivers such as the Bagmati, Kosi (also known as the sorrow of Bihar), Ghagra, Kamalabalan and the Sone are also flowing above the danger mark.
According to data from the Indian Meteorological Department, the state has received over 800mm of rain which is 18% below the average monsoon rainfall over the region.
Hence the state faces a unique situation wherein the northern districts are experiencing floods whereas the southern districts are experiencing droughts.
The government’s project of inter linking of rivers may be the solution forward in dealing with such peculiar situations.