Patna: The northwest monsoon remains extremely active over Bihar, bringing widespread rainfall and worsening the flood situation across the state. Heavy clouds continue to loom over several districts, including Patna, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds in 26 districts.
Kishanganj is on heavy rain alert, with wind speeds expected to reach 30–40 kmph. The IMD has also issued a special lightning warning for central and eastern Bihar.
Rising Rivers and Flood Situation in Kosi, Seemanchal, East Bihar
Floodwaters continue to rise in Kosi, Seemanchal, and other parts of East Bihar, with the Ganga and Kosi rivers swelling dangerously. All 109 gates of the Farakka Barrage have been opened to release excess water. According to weather scientists, the current conditions are a result of cyclonic circulation over Uttar Pradesh and a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal.
Rain is expected to continue until August 19, with varying intensity from light to heavy showers and occasional strong winds.
Mixed Rainfall Trends Across Districts
In the last 24 hours, 14 districts, including Patna, Hajipur, and Gopalganj, received heavy rain, causing waterlogging in several parts of Patna. Khagaria recorded the highest rainfall.
While Bihar overall has seen 23% less rainfall than normal this season (473.4 mm against a normal of 616 mm), 10 districts — including Patna, Gaya, Jamui, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Kishanganj, Banka, Aurangabad, and Vaishali — have recorded 4% more rain than usual. Saharsa, however, has received 60% less rain.
Flood Affects 12 Districts, Over 17 Lakh People Hit
Floods have engulfed 12 districts of Bihar, affecting more than 17 lakh people. Ten major rivers, including the Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati, Budhi Gandak, Punpun, and Ghaghra, are flowing above the danger mark.
In Begusarai district, 187 villages in 8 blocks are completely submerged, forcing the closure of 137 schools until August 14.
Lakhisarai Boat Capsize Incident
In Lakhisarai, strong winds caused a boat to overturn in floodwaters at Maharamchak village in Barhiya block. Passengers jumped into the water and swam to safety, as seen in a widely shared video.
Bhagalpur: Embankment Cracks Raise Alarm
Bhagalpur is one of the worst-hit areas, with over 4.16 lakh people from 75 panchayats affected. About 40 of the 100 houses in Bindtoli village have been submerged. A crack in the Ismailpur-Bindtoli embankment has increased the flood threat, while 70% of the ₹15 crore ring dam in Gopalpur block has been washed away. The Sadhupur dam in Rangra has also collapsed by 200 meters.
The administrative building of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University is completely surrounded by floodwaters.
Begusarai: Schools Shut, Teachers Arrive by Boat
In Begusarai’s Sihma area, floodwaters have entered homes, forcing school closures. Despite this, some teachers are reaching schools by boat to fulfill duties, even though students are unable to attend.
Katihar: Crops Destroyed, Villages Submerged
In Katihar’s Mansahi block, a dozen villages in four panchayats inside the Karikosi dam have been submerged, destroying acres of crops and forcing residents to evacuate.
Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations and have set up community kitchens for relief. IMD officials warn that the risk of floods will remain high over the next few days as rains continue.
