Bihar Flood Alert: Bihar is reeling from severe floods. Currently, over 19.57 lakh people across various districts are affected by flooding and waterlogging. Notably, the water level of the Ganges at Patna’s Gandhi Ghat has risen significantly, surpassing the Highest Flood Level (HFL) mark; consequently, the administration has issued an alert for the river’s low-lying areas. According to Water Resources Department officials, the floodwaters have spread across 368 gram panchayats in 70 blocks spanning the districts of Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Patna, Bhojpur, Lakhisarai, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, and Arwal.
Meteorological Department officials said the situation in Hathidah and downstream areas could worsen over the next three days. The water level of the Ganges at Hathidah may even exceed the previous HFL record. Officials have advised residents living along the riverbanks in Begusarai, Munger, Lakhisarai, Katihar, and Bhagalpur to remain particularly vigilant. Furthermore, as water levels rise from Gandhi Ghat towards low-lying areas, officials and field staff have been instructed to stay alert and continuously monitor the water levels.
Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, has targeted the central government, demanding that the situation be declared a national disaster. He has called upon the Centre to provide financial assistance of ₹5,000 crore to the state and to deploy Air Force helicopters for relief and rescue operations.
Monitoring of Vulnerable Areas
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has issued directives for the regular monitoring of river water levels, embankments, vulnerable zones, and low-lying areas. Officials have been instructed to take proactive precautionary measures. All departments and field engineers have been directed to keep flood control resources and machinery ready for deployment.
According to the Disaster Management Department, approximately 1.957 million people across 330 gram panchayats in 66 blocks—spanning 11 districts including Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, and Arwal—have been affected. Relief and rescue operations to tackle the emergency situation are proceeding rapidly. A total of 10 NDRF teams and 27 SDRF teams have been deployed across the affected districts.
Rainfall Expected Over the Next Two Days
The state recorded an average rainfall of 590.7 mm between June 1 and September 6. Meteorologists have forecast light rain in many areas of Bihar over the next two days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in some regions.
110 Community Kitchens Operational
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Department reports that relief and rescue operations are ongoing in flood-affected areas, with 110 community kitchens currently in operation. So far, 198,000 people have received meals. A relief camp has also been established for displaced persons, providing food, drinking water, and medical facilities to 326 flood-affected individuals. To date, approximately 55,500 polythene sheets and 10,400 dry ration packets have been distributed. Additionally, 1,345 boats are being operated to facilitate movement in waterlogged areas.