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. The crisis stems from a massive flash flood that swept through two central Nepal districts bordering Tibet early Wednesday, killing four people and causing extensive damage to settlements and at least a dozen hydropower projects. The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi river, affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts, with nearly 400 people reported missing, including at least 105 Indians. The floodwaters travel through the Trishuli river system, becoming the Narayani in Nepal before entering India at Valmikinagar, where the river is known as the Gandak.