Patna: Floods have gripped seven districts of Bihar, with 10 rivers, including the Ganga, flowing above the danger mark. As of Monday, 24 panchayats in seven blocks of Patna district – Athmalgola, Barh, Danapur, Daniyawan, Maner, Mokama and Patna Sadar – are surrounded by floodwaters, affecting nearly one lakh residents.
Statewide, more than 10 lakh people have been impacted, and 11 people have died due to drowning in floodwater. Begusarai reported the highest toll with six deaths, followed by Bhagalpur with four and Vaishali with one. In Begusarai, the administration has ordered the closure of 137 schools and all Anganwadi centres in eight flood-hit blocks until August 14.
Heavy Rain Forecast for Next 48 Hours
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall in 19 districts of Bihar today, along with warnings of lightning and winds reaching 30–40 km/h. Heavy rain is expected in most parts of the state, including Patna, over the next two days, potentially lowering temperatures by one to three degrees Celsius.
Several districts have recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Katihar receiving 140 mm, Nalanda 70 mm, Sheikhpura 65 mm, Banka 65 mm, and Patna 57 mm. However, overall rainfall this year remains 25% below normal, with eight districts in north Bihar facing a 50% deficit. Farmers remain concerned about crop damage, although the improved pace of rain since early August is expected to benefit paddy and other Kharif crops.
Human Story Amid Crisis: Baby Girl Born on Flood Relief Boat
In a remarkable incident, Sanju Devi (35) of Chiraiya Diara Panchayat, Bakhtiyarpur block, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on a boat while being taken to Bakhtiyarpur Hospital through the floodwaters of the Ganga. When labour pains intensified mid-river, women on board assisted in the delivery.
Rescue and Relief Operations in Patna
The Patna district administration has set up six community kitchens and deployed 104 boats for relief work. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on-site for rescue operations. Many affected residents have moved to relief camps for safety.
Erosion Worsens in Bhagalpur and Other Areas
In Bhagalpur, rapid erosion caused by the Ganga’s strong currents swept away a concrete house in seconds. A water tower in Teentanga South Panchayat of Rangra block was also washed away. Several houses in Teentanga Gyani Das Tola have collapsed into the river. In Samastipur’s Chakla village, a school remains submerged.
Weather Update for Patna
The capital is expected to remain cloudy with light to moderate rainfall today. Maximum temperatures may hover around 32°C and minimum around 26°C. Winds will blow at 12–18 km/h, with humid conditions giving way to slight relief after showers.
