Patna: Bihar’s monsoon has shown extreme imbalance this year, with weak rainfall across most districts and floods triggered by swollen rivers in several others. According to the Meteorological Department, the state recorded only 554 mm of rainfall against the expected 782 mm till August, a deficit of 228 mm.
If the entire season is considered, Bihar’s rain quota is 1,137 mm, but not even half of this has been achieved so far. More than 12 districts are already in the grip of drought, while 26 districts are struggling with flood conditions, leaving over 12 lakh people displaced and forced to live on roads and in relief camps.
Rain Deficit Across Bihar
Meteorological Department scientist Ashish Kumar said that 30 out of 38 districts have received below-average rainfall, and 10 districts recorded less than 50% of their normal quota. He added that the rain-bearing systems shifted away from Bihar, with most of the rainfall activity tilting towards Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and South India.
“This is the fourth consecutive year that Bihar has received less than normal rainfall in September,” Kumar said.
Why Did Bihar Receive Less Rainfall?
Experts cited three major reasons:
- Shift of Monsoon Track – Rain systems that usually pass through Bihar were more active in Jharkhand and Central India this year.
- Change in Bay of Bengal Systems – Low-pressure formations and depressions from the Bay of Bengal moved westward towards Madhya Pradesh instead of Bihar.
- Absence of Local Weather Systems – Normally, local systems in Bihar generate additional rainfall, but this year they failed to form within the state.
What’s Ahead?
The Meteorological Department expects above-normal rainfall in September, possibly exceeding 300 mm against the normal 216.5 mm. However, scientists warn that Bihar’s annual rain quota can only be met if the state receives over 500 mm in September, which seems unlikely given the weak start of the month. Heavy rainfall is likely between September 11 and 18.
Farmers remain anxious as delayed rains have already hurt Kharif crops, and groundwater depletion may worsen drinking water shortages. Experts also warn of rising air pollution levels in the absence of rain to cleanse the atmosphere.
Flood Situation Worsens in Bihar
While many districts battle drought, rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, and Gandak are swelling due to heavy rainfall in Nepal.
- Bhagalpur: The Ganga has been rising continuously for 4–5 days, flooding Barari, Adampur, Nathnagar, Tatarpur, and Khanjarpur. Houses have been submerged, forcing residents to shift belongings to safer areas. Floodwater entered Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) campus, disrupting classes and administration work.
- Munger: The Ganga is flowing just 6 cm below the danger mark, inundating six blocks, including Sadar Munger and Bariyarpur. Water has entered Chandika Sthan and Kashtharani Ghat. A distressed woman, who lost her house in the floods, said, “My house has been washed away, where should I go now?”
- Jehanabad: Rising water from the Falgu River breached embankments in about 50 villages, causing massive losses. Fish farmers reported damages worth ₹50 lakh, while paddy fields were destroyed. Farmers are demanding government compensation for their losses.
August Weather Snapshot
- Highest average temperature: Munger at 32.6°C.
- Hottest day: Supaul recorded 36.6°C on August 7.
- Heaviest single-day rainfall: Purnia with 270.6 mm on August 4.
- Overall rainfall: August recorded 9% below normal rainfall across Bihar.
- Lightning incidents: Strikes were reported on 26 days during August 2025.
Bihar now faces a dual crisis of drought and floods, highlighting the volatile nature of this year’s monsoon. Farmers and residents alike await September rains with hope, even as flood-hit regions demand urgent relief and rehabilitation.
