Patna: The water level of the Ganga is rising due to continuous rain in Bihar and is likely to cross the "highest flood mark" at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Thursday
night, an official said. Earlier in the day, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also inspected the rising water level of the Ganga River. "Considering the potential flood situation, necessary instructions were given to the concerned officials so that the general public faces no kind of inconvenience and the safety of lives and property can be ensured," he said. The state Disaster Management Department has asked people living along the river and in low-lying areas of Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad to stay alert. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near ghats and embankments. "The water level in the swollen Ganga river is likely to breach the highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Thursday night and at Hathidah in Mokama around noon on September 4," the official said. People have been advised not to bathe or swim in the river, take unnecessary boat rides or engage in any other risky activities near the river. "Residents should keep essential documents, medicines, mobile phones, torches, drinking water and other emergency supplies ready and be prepared to move to designated safe locations or relief camps if instructed by the administration," the department said in an advisory. The department urged people to follow only the instructions issued by the administration and rescue teams during flooding. In case of an emergency, people can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre at 1070 or the local administration for help, the department said.
