Bihar on alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak River levels

Bihar has been placed on high alert after flash floods in Nepal sent a surge of water into the Gandak River, prompting authorities to open all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran to manage the rising flow. The floodwaters, originating from the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal, entered the Gandak system on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, leading to a discharge of approximately 1.50 lakh cusecs by 11 p.m. that night, the highest recorded at the barrage on that day. While officials expect the water flow to begin receding, emergency teams remain on alert through the night.