Patna/Madhubani/Motihari: Officials and residents in low-lying areas across 14 districts are concerned about potential flooding due to a significant increase in water release from the Birpur barrage on the Kosi river in Supaul and the Valmikinagar barrage on the Gandak river in West Champaran. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of rivers in North Bihar and Nepal has led to this threat of flooding. Water discharge through the Birpur barrage reached 5.31 lakh cusecs by 2 pm from 4.80 lakh cusecs earlier in the day. Similarly, the Valmikinagar barrage saw an increase from 3.84 lakh cusecs to 4.49 lakh cusecs during the same time frame. The Kosi river meets the Ganga river at Kursela in Katihar district, indicating that Bhagalpur and Katihar would be most impacted by the rising floodwaters. The Supaul district administration has begun urging residents to relocate to higher ground as a precautionary measure. The state water resources department issued a high alert to district magistrates, instructing them to be prepared for the situation and monitor embankments closely. Official leaves have been canceled. The WRD predicts that water discharge through the Birpur barrage could reach 6.81 lakh cusecs by Saturday night, approaching the highest recorded discharge of 7.25 lakh cusecs over 56 years ago. The Valmikinagar barrage may also reach a two-decade high. A high alert has been issued for 14 districts, including Supaul, Saharsa, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar, due to the escalating situation with the Kosi river.Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Vaishali, and Samastipur are affected by the flooding of the Gandak river. Additionally, the Bagmati river is causing serious flood risks in Sitamarhi, Sheohar, and Muzaffarpur districts, among others.