Ganga crosses highest flood level in Patna, over 22 lakh affected in Bihar

More than 22 lakh people in 12 districts of Bihar have been affected by floods after heavy rain in the state and neighbouring Jharkhand caused rivers to swell. The Ganga crossed its previous highest flood level in Patna on Sunday, prompting authorities to step up rescue and relief operations and issue alerts in downstream areas.GANGA CROSSES HIGHEST FLOOD LEVEL IN PATNAAt Gandhi Ghat in Patna, the Ganga was flowing at 50.57 metres at 6 am on Sunday, 0.05 metres above its previous highest flood level (HFL) of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21.At Pandarak, the river was flowing at 43.92 metres, 0.19 metres above its previous HFL of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16.Officials said Hathidah and other gauge stations in the state capital were likely to be impacted over the next one to three days as the Ganga's water level topped the HFL at Gandhi Ghat following heavy rain. According to an advisory issued by the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Ganga at Hathidah may also cross its previous HFL. Authorities have therefore heightened vigilance in Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar districts.SEVERAL RIVERS ABOVE DANGER MARKSeveral other rivers were also flowing above the danger mark at various locations. The Gandak was flowing above the danger mark at Dumariaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara and Kursela, and the Budhi Gandak at Khagaria.The Ganga was above the danger mark at Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger. The Punpun was above the mark at Sripalpur, while the Bagmati was above it at Benibad and the Ghaghra at Darauli. An aerial view of the flood-affected Punpun area following a rise in the water level of Punpun river, in Patna, Bihar on Saturday (PTI Photo) The rise in water levels has been attributed to heavy rainfall in Bihar and neighbouring Jharkhand. Bihar has received 69.1 mm of rainfall in September so far, which is 55 per cent above normal.22.42 LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTEDAround 22.42 lakh people in Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai and Arwal have been affected by the floods, officials said.Authorities have been directed to remain alert and continuously monitor water levels, embankments, vulnerable locations and low-lying areas, while taking precautionary measures as required.People in affected areas have been advised to avoid going near rivers and remain cautious.The local administration has also been asked to monitor boat operations, prevent overloading and keep residents informed about the situation.1,429 BOATS, 37 DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMS DEPLOYEDA total of 1,429 boats have been pressed into service to take marooned people to safety, while 27 teams of the State Disaster Response Force and 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed across various districts.Authorities are also operating 190 community kitchens in different districts to provide food to flood-affected people.The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places across Bihar during the next two days, with the possibility of heavy rain at some locations.TRAINS CANCELLED, DIVERTED AS WATER RISESThe flood situation has also affected railway services.In a notification, the East Central Railway cancelled and diverted some trains because of the alarmingly high water level at a bridge connecting Punpun and Parsa Bazar stations on the Patna-Gaya section.OPPOSITION SEEKS NATIONAL DISASTER STATUSOpposition parties in Bihar have sought national disaster status for the floods in the state.RJD national working president Tejashwi Yadav claimed that 76 per cent of Bihar had been affected by floods and that 19 districts were reeling under the deluge, with more than 20 lakh people affected.The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly said livestock had been swept away and public infrastructure severely damaged, while property worth thousands of crores had been lost in the floods.In a post on X, Yadav accused the Bihar government of being "indifferent" towards the plight of flood-affected people. He urged the Centre to immediately declare the situation a national disaster and provide special financial assistance to the state.Yadav also sought the deployment of IAF helicopters for rescue operations and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Bihar, assess the situation on the ground and announce relief measures.- EndsPublished On: Sep 6, 2026 20:53 IST