The chief engineer was eventually brought to safety, the video shows
Patna:
It was a close call for a Bihar official inspecting a collapsed embankment in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district. A video shows the chief engineer being swept away by the Ganga by strong currents while he was inspecting Ismailpur Bindtoli in Bhagalpur’s Naugachia area, about 220 km from state capital Patna.
The State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) stationed nearby immediately launched a rescue operation, the video shows. The rescue team can be heard saying: “Koi is of no use sir, aaram se“(Don't worry sir, take it easy)
Bihar: While inspecting a collapsed embankment in Bhagalpur, Katihar's Chief Engineer was swept away by the Ganga River. The SDRF team quickly rescued him and he is safe photo.twitter.com/3sFj7bJRIE
— IANS (@ians_india) August 24, 2024
One of the SDRF officers on the inflatable rescue boat can be heard instructing his colleague to slow down the boat and make a U-turn. The chief engineer was eventually brought to safety thanks to the swift and prompt response of the SDRF team, the clip shows.
On Friday, a teacher of a government school fell into the Ganga near Patna and was swept away by strong currents, officials told PTI. The incident took place at Nasriganj ghat, from where Avinash Kumar was taking a boat to reach his school.
While sailing, he tripped and fell into the riverbed, which often becomes swollen during the rainy season, police said.
Rivers flowing above the danger level
Many rivers in Bihar have overflowed and are flowing above the danger mark. The regional weather department has issued a warning of 'moderate' to 'heavy' rainfall in 17 districts of the state.
According to an IANS report, the Ganga is currently flowing above the danger level at several points in Bihar. At Gandhi Ghat in Patna, it is 44 cm above the danger level and at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur, it is 52 cm above the danger level.
The situation, particularly in Bhagalpur, remains worrying as floodwaters from the Ganga have entered several villages. Residents have been advised to exercise caution and follow instructions from local authorities.
(With input from agencies)