Patna: The flood situation across Bihar is worsening as heavy rainfall in Bihar and Nepal pushes water levels in several rivers higher. Around 16.84 lakh people across 11 districts have been affected by the floods. The Ganga crossed its High Flood Level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday, raising concerns in low-lying areas of the state capital.
At around 10 am on Saturday, the river crossed its HFL of 50.52 metres at Gandhi Ghat. By 4 pm, the water level had reached 50.57 metres, surpassing the previous record recorded in 2016. The river continued to rise and reached around 50.62 metres on Sunday morning.
Several Bihar Rivers Above Danger Mark
According to the Water Resources Department, several major rivers are currently flowing above their danger levels.These include the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra.
The Gandak is above the danger mark at Dumariaghat and Hajipur, while the Kosi has crossed the danger level at Baltara. The Burhi Gandak is also flowing above the danger mark at Khagaria.
The Ganga is above the danger level at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger. The Punpun at Sripalpur and Ghaghra at Darauli are also flowing above their respective danger marks.
Districts Put on High Alert
Following the sharp rise in the Ganga’s water level, the Water Resources Department has alerted the concerned districts. District magistrates and superintendents of police have been asked to remain vigilant and closely monitor vulnerable areas. Officials have also been instructed to keep a constant watch on embankments and flood-prone locations.
Bihar Records 69% More Rainfall Than Normal
Rainfall figures for September have added to concerns. Bihar has received 60.8 mm of rainfall so far this month, around 69% above normal. The continued rainfall, combined with rising water levels in rivers, has increased the risk of flooding across several districts.
Floodwater Enters Low-Lying Areas of Patna
The rising levels of the Ganga and Punpun rivers have begun affecting low-lying parts of Patna. Floodwater has reached Makhdumpur in Ward 22A. Water has also accumulated in the underpass between Kurji More Gate No. 86 and Rajendra Ghat Gate No. 92.
A breach was also reported in the ring embankment near Kooda Nawada Bangla, close to the Punpun River along the Phulwari-Sampatchak border. The embankment reportedly broke on Friday night, allowing floodwater to spread across the village.
Ganga Crosses Previous HFL in Pandarak
The situation is also concerning in Pandarak, Patna, where the Ganga’s water level was recorded at 43.78 metres at 10 am on Saturday. The previous HFL at the location was 43.73 metres, recorded on August 16, 2021. The Punpun River is also continuing to rise. Its water level at Sripalpur was recorded at 53.28 metres at 6 am on Saturday. The highest recorded level at the location was 53.91 metres in 1976.
Munger, Katihar Face Rising Water Levels
In Munger, the Ganga is flowing around 30 cm above the danger mark.
At Kursela in Katihar, the Kosi was recorded 31 cm above the danger level, with the water level expected to rise further over the next 24 hours.
Embankment Breach in Saran, Water on NH-19
The flood situation has also worsened in Saran after an embankment of the Mahi River broke near Kesarpur in Dighwara. Floodwater has spread into surrounding areas, while around one foot of water is flowing over NH-19 between Chhapra and Hajipur. Around 1.5 lakh people in 65 villages of Sonepur have reportedly been affected. In Chhapra Sadar block, around 54,000 people across nine villages are facing the impact of the floods. Akilpur panchayat in Dighwara has also been inundated.
Road Connectivity Hit in Buxar
Several riverside villages in Buxar’s Chausa, Buxar and Itarhi blocks have reported disruption in road connectivity due to rising floodwater. The Gandak is also above the danger mark in Hajipur and Lalganj. At Lalganj, the river is 1.07 metres above the danger level, while in Hajipur it is around 26 cm above the mark.
Six wards in Hajipur city have been affected. Power supply has also been disrupted in 76 villages of Raghopur block. A young man reportedly died after drowning in floodwater in Bidupur.
Floodwater Enters Urban Areas of Bhagalpur
The flood situation is worsening in the Kosi-Seemanchal and eastern Bihar regions as the Ganga continues to spread into new areas. Floodwater has started affecting urban areas of Munger, Lakhisarai and Bhagalpur. In Bhagalpur, around five feet of water has entered the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University campus, while around three feet of water has accumulated at the Engineering College.
Son Discharge Falls, Kosi and Gandak Rise
The amount of water being released from major barrages has also changed.
Discharge from the Indrapuri Barrage on the Son River declined from 4,15,719 cusecs at 8 am to around 2,57,580 cusecs at 4 pm on Saturday. Meanwhile, discharge from the Kosi’s Birpur Barrage increased from 1,67,560 cusecs in the morning to 1,91,585 cusecs by 4 pm.
At the Valmikinagar Barrage on the Gandak, discharge rose from 1,26,500 cusecs to 1,45,700 cusecs during the same period.
The floods have affected several parts of Bihar, including Patna, Arwal, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.
Around 16.84 lakh people across 50 blocks and 201 panchayats are currently affected.
With river levels continuing to rise, authorities remain on high alert. Relief and rescue preparations are being strengthened in vulnerable areas, while officials continue to monitor river levels, embankments and flood-affected regions.
