Flood concerns have intensified across Bihar as water levels in the Ganga and several of its tributaries continue to rise, inundating low-lying areas and affecting villages, homes and schools in several districts.
In Patna, the ring embankment of the Punpun River breached on Thursday, prompting an administrative team to reach the site and begin repair work. Authorities are monitoring the situation as floodwater spreads into surrounding areas.
The rising river levels have also triggered heightened vigilance in Chhapra, Revelganj and Munger, while officials have been instructed to prioritise public safety and ensure assistance reaches affected residents.
Ganga crosses previous high-water mark
Sanjay Jha said the Ganga had recorded its highest flood level in 2016, but its water level has now surpassed that mark.
The development has added to concerns over the scale of the current flooding.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary reviewed the rising Ganga water levels on Thursday and directed officials to take necessary measures to ensure that residents do not face undue hardship if the flood situation worsens.
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also inspected the rising waters of the Ganga in the Saran and Vaishali regions from the JP Setu and Raghopur bridges. During the inspection, he reviewed the river level and conditions in surrounding areas and directed officials to prioritise public safety and provide assistance where required.
Chhapra, Revelganj villages surrounded by water
The flood situation has become increasingly difficult in parts of Chhapra as the Ganga and Saryu continue to rise.
Revelganj has also been affected, with floodwaters spreading across several locations. Residents of Jan Tola in Diliyapur Rahimpur panchayat have reportedly remained surrounded by floodwater for four days.
Villagers said the continuing rise in water levels has made it difficult to leave their homes, move essential belongings and protect livestock. They also reported that assistance had not reached them at the expected level.
Ganga nears danger mark in Munger
The Ganga has also risen steadily in Munger, where the water level has reached 38.86 metres, against a danger mark of 39.33 metres.
The river is therefore flowing just 47 centimetres below the danger level.
Floodwater has entered several villages, accumulating around homes and forcing residents to move their families, belongings and livestock to higher ground.
People living in elevated areas have reported that conditions are worsening as the river continues to rise.
28 Munger schools shifted
Flooding has also disrupted education in Munger, with water entering several schools.
The district administration and Education Department have decided to shift 28 flood-affected schools to safer schools.
Teachers from the affected institutions have also been assigned to the designated safe schools and will continue teaching there. The temporary arrangement will remain in place until September 10, 2026, according to the information provided.
The move is intended to ensure that children’s education continues despite the disruption caused by flooding.
Water pressure damages road near Karamchat Dam
Water pressure has also caused damage near Karamchat Dam in Chenari, Sasaram, where a section of a road built over the dam’s protective embankment collapsed.
The Water Resources Department has placed a team on alert and repair work has begun at the damaged section.
Officials are closely monitoring the site to prevent further damage to the dam or surrounding areas as water pressure continues.
Administration keeps vulnerable areas under watch
The simultaneous rise in the Ganga and its tributaries, the Punpun embankment breach in Patna and the damage near Karamchat Dam have heightened concerns about flooding in several parts of Bihar.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on low-lying and vulnerable areas, while residents living near rivers and in inundation-prone locations are being urged to remain alert as water levels continue to fluctuate.
