Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Bihar is battling severe floods, with heavy rain and swollen rivers affecting more than 10 lakh people across 11 districts. Homes, roads, markets and farmland have been submerged, forcing families in Begusarai and Vaishali to evacuate by boat.
The Ganga crossed its previous highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday, raising fears that more low-lying areas could be inundated.
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According to the state Disaster Management Department, around 10.26 lakh people in 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats have been affected. The affected districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.
Several rivers are flowing above the danger mark. These include the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria and the Ganga at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger.
The Punpun at Sripalpur and the Ghaghara at Darauli have also crossed the danger mark.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: A team of SSB patrols in river Ganga as the river overflows and water enters residential areas around Kangan Ghat. pic.twitter.com/kSHt6kynR9— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2026
GANGA CROSSES HIGHEST FLOOD LEVEL IN PATNA
The Ganga rose by 10 cm in four hours at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, reaching 50.53 metres at 10 am on Saturday. This was one centimetre above the previous highest flood level of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21, 2016.
The Water Resources Department has warned that the river could rise further to 50.62 metres by Sunday morning, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying parts of the state capital.
At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga stood at 43.78 metres on September 5, surpassing the previous record of 43.73 metres set on August 16, 2021.
The rise has been attributed to heavy rain in Bihar and neighbouring Nepal. Bihar has received 60.8 mm of rain so far in September, 69 per cent above normal.
HOMES FLOODED IN BEGUSARAI
The situation is critical in Begusarai’s Matihani block, where water has entered homes and disrupted daily life in the Balhapur and Khormpur panchayats.
According to an Aaj Tak ground report, rural roads have been completely submerged, with two to three feet of water flowing over them in several places. The inundation is so extensive that it has become difficult to distinguish the roads from the surrounding areas.
Residents are relying on boats to move their families, essential belongings and livestock to safer locations.
Several houses have five to six feet of water inside, leaving household belongings submerged. Many families have been forced to abandon their homes and move to higher ground as they struggle to find shelter, food and safe drinking water.
Fields and connecting roads have also been submerged, making it difficult for residents to reach markets and nearby areas for essential supplies. Evacuating children, women and elderly residents remains a major challenge.
Villagers are also trying to move their livestock to safety, but the shortage of fodder is becoming more severe as the water continues to rise.
RAGHOPUR ROADS, POLICE STATION SUBMERGED
In Vaishali district, the rising Ganga and Gandak have inundated the Jurawanpur area of Raghopur.
Fields, roads and the local market are submerged. Water has also entered a temple and the Jurawanpur police station premises.
More than five feet of water is flowing over the main road connecting Raghopur and Jurawanpur, making travel by road nearly impossible. The road and the surrounding market have merged into a vast stretch of water.
Residents said the water level had been rising steadily for nearly five days before surging overnight and rapidly submerging the main road, market and police station.
Police personnel are using boats to patrol the affected areas. They reportedly change into their uniforms on higher ground before travelling through the floodwaters to maintain law and order.
RESCUE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS INTENSIFY
, pic.twitter.com/oHGoMCYXHQ— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) September 5, 2026
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Bhagalpur and Naugachhia and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
He directed ministers and officials to visit the affected regions and closely monitor the situation. Senior officials have been asked to camp in flood-hit areas and supervise relief measures.
District magistrates and superintendents of police have been directed to alert people living on the river-facing side of embankments and ensure continuous patrolling by special teams.
The government is operating 38 community kitchens for affected residents. Around 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets have been distributed.
A total of 858 boats are being used for evacuations and the movement of people. Twenty-seven State Disaster Response Force teams and seven National Disaster Response Force teams have also been deployed.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is monitoring the situation and that efforts are underway to minimise the difficulties faced by residents.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
