PATNA, July 14 -- A majority of rivers flowing into Bihar from the Nepal side, including Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, Kamla Balan and Mahananda, are in spate following torrential rains in their catchment areas in the neighbouring Himalayan country. In response to the surging water levels, the state water resources department (WRD) has cancelled the leave of all officials deputed to monitor the flood situation and carry out rescue operations if required.

Deputy chief minister and WRD minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said monitoring on all embankments of major rivers had been intensified, with district authorities directed to keep a close watch on the developing situation. "Currently, everything is in control as all rivers are flowing within their...