Home / Disasters and Accidents / NASA Report: Nepal Rains Trigger Record Gandak Flood
NASA Report: Nepal Rains Trigger Record Gandak Flood
4 Oct
Summary
- Unprecedented rainfall in Nepal's Gandak catchment caused record river levels.
- Floodwaters overtopped and breached embankments in several Bihar districts.
- IAF helicopters airdropped over 5,600 relief packets in affected areas.
Heavy rainfall in Nepal's Gandak catchment areas between September 24 and 27, confirmed by a NASA Earth Observatory report, led to a record rise in the Gandak River's water level. This unprecedented event caused significant flooding downstream in Bihar, affecting districts like West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and Saran. The river's level at Devghat in Nepal reached its highest point since the 1960s, and it crossed the highest flood level in several Bihar locations.
The floodwaters overtopped embankments at numerous points and breached them in some areas, necessitating urgent response. The Indian Air Force has been actively involved in relief efforts, airdropping over 5,600 packets of dry ration, totaling approximately 28 tonnes, to inaccessible regions in Saran. State authorities are maintaining close watch on the flood situation and embankments while prioritizing rescue and relief operations in the impacted districts. Water discharge through various barrages has been reported, with some rivers, including the Ganga, flowing above danger levels.
