As the Ganga River continues to flow above the danger level in several areas of Bihars capital, Patna district administration has extended the closure of 76 government schools in rural areas until September 26. This decision, aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff, comes in light of the ongoing flood-like conditions. In an official circular issued by Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, it was stated that a total of 76 schools across eight blocks of Patna district will remain closed due to the elevated water levels in the Ganga.Initially, the administration had ordered the closure of these schools until September 21. However, with no significant improvement in the flood situation, the closure has been extended to safeguard the community.गंगा नदी का जल-स्तर खतरे के निशान से ऊपर होने एवं नदी की धारा तेज होने के कारण विद्यार्थियों तथा शिक्षकों की सुरक्षा को ध्यान में रखते हुए जिलाधिकारी, पटना द्वारा दियारा क्षेत्र में अवस्थित 76 विद्यालयों के बंद रहने की अवधि को दिनांक 26.09.2024 तक विस्तारित किया गया है।… pic.twitter.com/PUeqfI5wDB— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) September 23, 2024Ganga flows above danger markAccording to a statement from the district administration, the Ganga River surpassed the danger mark at key points such as Gandhi Ghat (48.60 meters), Hathidah (41.76 meters), and Digha Ghat (50.45 meters) as of Monday morning. The rising water levels in several rivers across Bihar have impacted low-lying areas, further exacerbating the flood-like conditions.The states Disaster Management Department (DMD) confirmed that Additional Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a virtual review meeting with officials from 12 districts to assess the situation and enhance preparedness for any potential rise in water levels.12 districts affected, millions impactedThe DMD reported that approximately 12 districts along the Ganga are facing flood-like conditions, affecting around 13.56 lakh people in low-lying areas. A total of 376 village panchayats have been impacted, leading to mass evacuations with residents relocated to camps. The affected districts include Patna, Buxar, Saran, Vaishali, Bhojpur, and others.Bihar CM Nitish Kumar conducts aerial surveyBihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an aerial survey last week to assess the situation in Patna and Vaishali districts. Recent rainfall has further worsened water levels, threatening nearby areas. The Chief Minister stressed that relief and rescue operations should be the priority, instructing officials to remain vigilant and stay present in the affected areas.
