Now the effects of Cyclone Montha have extended to Bihar, and it has rained heavily, resulting in a gloomy climate in many sections of this state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain warning to 18 districts, and residents are on high alert since the system continues to move northeast and it hit coastal India earlier in the week.
The remnant of the cyclonic system has increased the moisture level in the eastern areas of the country significantly, according to the IMD, which has led to moderate to heavy rainfalls in the various regions of Bihar. The districts, which are under the heavy rain alert, are Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Munger, Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani.
It has been raining off and on since Thursday morning in many cities, such as Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, where the overcast skies can be observed. Lack of sunshine has caused the temperature to reduce drastically, which has been a relief to the unseasonable heat but has also been problematic in normal routines. IMD has forecasted the rainy spell to continue for 48 to 72 hours, and isolated heavy downpours are likely to occur in the southern and central Bihar.
The disaster management department has alerted the local authorities to be on their toes in case of waterlogging, as well as to watch over the rivers and drainage system. The news of water collection in Patna and Gaya is already being reported in the low-lying regions of both cities. It is also likely to create difficulties in rural areas because of sloppy roads and broken transport.
Agriculture farmers in Bihar are monitoring the weather conditions keenly because continuous heavy rain may destroy the rabi crops and interfere with the harvesting of the paddy in some of the districts. But agricultural experts have pointed out that there are regions where the moisture may be favourable to the soil, especially in regions where rain has been moderate and where it could lead to winter sowing.
According to meteorologists, the intensity of Cyclone Montha would steadily decrease in the next two days as it goes on weakening. Nevertheless, isolated rainfall will most probably persist in some regions of Bihar until the system fades away.
Governments have encouraged people to keep abreast of the weather using official weather alerts, to avoid unnecessary movement whenever it is raining heavily, and to observe safety precautions to avoid accidents. The government is liaising with district administrations to have a quick response in the event of an emergency.
