Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday conducted an aerial survey of Patna and Vaishali districts to assess the rising water levels of the Ganga.Recent rainfall has led to increased water levels, posing a threat of inundation of nearby areas. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Kumar emphasised that relief and rescue operations must be prioritised in affected regions.

Officials have been instructed to remain vigilant and to camp in the impacted areas, ensuring adherence to guidelines during emergencies.Immediate actions for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation must be taken in the affected areas. Officials must carry out relief and rescue work wherever needed,” the statement said.

The Ganga is currently flowing above the danger mark at Gandhi Ghat, Digha Ghat, and Hathidah in Patna.

Additionally, water levels have risen significantly in several rivers across Vaishali, Saran, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, and Saharsa in recent days.Low-lying areas in Patna rural and Nalanda districts have experienced flooding, exacerbated by damage to small dams along the Falgu and Sakri rivers due to heavy rains in Jharkhand.

The areas affected include parts of Pandarak and Fatuha blocks in Patna and villages in Hilsa block, Nalanda, officials said.

Later in the day, Kumar visited Saharsa to lay the foundation stone for a bridge to be built at Rs 414.74 crore over the Kosi River.