Bihar’s flood situation remains critical, with flooding reported across 16 districts and the situation described as serious in 14, including Patna, as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi and other major rivers continue to rise. Heavy rainfall in Bihar, neighbouring Jharkhand and Nepal has contributed to swelling river levels, threatening low-lying and riverine areas.
The state government has intensified rescue and relief operations, deploying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, boats, relief camps and community kitchens. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has reviewed the situation through an aerial survey and directed officials to ensure prompt assistance, monitor embankments and move vulnerable residents to safety.
Ganga Crosses Highest Flood Level In Patna
The situation has become particularly concerning in Patna, where the Ganga crossed its previous highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat on September 5. According to the Water Resources Department, the river rose by 10 centimetres within just four hours, reaching 50.53 metres, one centimetre above the earlier record of 50.52 metres set in 2016.
Officials have forecast that the water level could rise further to 50.62 metres by Sunday morning, raising concerns for low-lying areas along the river and increasing the risk of flooding in nearby settlements. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, follow official instructions and avoid venturing close to swollen rivers, embankments or submerged roads.
The rising Ganga is part of a wider flood emergency across Bihar. Several other major rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra, are also flowing above danger levels at various locations. Their elevated water levels have increased pressure on drainage systems, embankments and local administration, particularly in districts already affected by heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
33 Rescue Teams, Nearly 700 Boats Deployed
Authorities have intensified flood preparedness and relief operations as water levels remain dangerously high across several parts of Bihar. According to officials, 33 NDRF and SDRF teams comprising six NDRF and 27 SDRF teams have been deployed in vulnerable and flood-prone areas to assist with evacuations, rescue operations and emergency response.
As many as 693 government boats are also being used to evacuate stranded residents, transport relief materials and maintain connectivity with areas cut off by floodwaters. Officials are monitoring river levels and identifying communities that may require immediate assistance if the situation worsens.
Relief measures have been expanded in districts including Patna, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur and Vaishali. Community kitchens and relief camps are being operated to provide cooked meals, drinking water, shelter and other essential supplies to affected families. Local administrations are also working to move residents from low-lying areas to safer locations and ensure that vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and those requiring medical care, receive timely support.
In Patna, rising Ganga levels have affected low-lying areas across nine blocks, increasing the risk of further inundation if the river continues to rise. Bhojpur has also reported substantial flooding, with several communities facing disruption to transport, livelihoods and access to basic services.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed district magistrates and senior police officials to remain present in affected areas and closely supervise rescue and relief operations. Officials have been asked to prepare detailed lists of people requiring assistance, identify vulnerable households and ensure the uninterrupted supply of food, drinking water, medicines and other essential items.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
A flood is not merely a statistic or an administrative challenge; for families living in low-lying areas, it can mean losing access to homes, food, healthcare, livelihoods and a sense of security. The immediate priority must therefore remain protecting lives and ensuring that relief reaches people quickly, fairly and without gaps. The government’s efforts to strengthen rescue teams, community kitchens and monitoring systems are important, but preparedness must go beyond responding after water levels rise.
With Bihar repeatedly exposed to floods, long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, embankment maintenance, early warnings and community-led disaster preparedness is equally vital. At a time when fear and uncertainty can spread quickly, coordination between authorities, communities and relief workers can help ensure that no vulnerable family is left behind. What more can governments and communities do together to make Bihar’s flood-prone regions safer and more resilient?
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