Ganga surpasses previous flood record in Patna as Bihar floods affect over 10 lakh people

Patna: Bihar government has sounded a high alert in downstream districts and neighbouring areas along the Ganga after the river surged past its previous highest flood level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat in Patna.Authorities have stepped up monitoring and preparedness measures due to the rising water levels and the potential threat to low-lying and flood-prone areas.Diara lands (low-lying riverine pockets) are almost completely submerged due to the swollen Ganga. Heavy rainfall across the state, combined with strong downstream flow from upstream areas, has pushed several major rivers- including the Kosi, Gandak, Punpun and Sone- well above their respective danger marks.#WATCH | Katihar, Bihar: Water levels of the Ganga and Kosi rivers rise, triggering floods that have severely affected several blocks in the district. pic.twitter.com/3IjdB7OGuA— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2026 3 Coaches Of Sikkim Mahananda Express Derail Near Bihar's Arrah Station, No Casualties Reported In Patna, the rising Punpun River has flooded tracks near railway bridge number 21. Consequently, train services on the Gaya-Patna section have been suspended until further notice. Authorities have deployed nine NDRF teams and 27 SDRF teams across vulnerable zones to carry out emergency evacuationsMeanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asked the Centre to declare floods in Bihar a national calamity and also release immediate financial assistance of Rs 5,000 crore for the stateAccusing the Centre and state government of not showing seriousness in dealing with the severe flood-situation, Tejashwi demanded that Air Force helicopters be made available for relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas. He claimed that a large tract of the area along the Ganga had been affected by the floods.Bihar Floods: Ganga Crosses Record Mark In Patna, Over 10 Lakh People Affected Across 11 Districts While talking to reporters, RJD leader said that the diara areas had been completely submerged, while many people were stranded in their homes and on rooftops. There is an urgent need to arrange relief materials and camps for the affected people, he added.Tejashwi said that earlier Air Force helicopters were deployed to drop relief materials among the flood hit people, asking the state government to request the Centre to provide assistance from the Air Force this time too. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Centre was not taking the flood situation in Bihar seriously. He urged PM to visit Bihar at the earliest, assess the situation in flood-hit areas and ensure central assistance for relief operations.

In Bihar, more than 19.57 lakh individuals are grappling with severe flooding across eleven districts. The Ganga has surpassed its former record flood level at Gandhi Ghat, leading authorities to raise alerts for downstream localities and boost relief activities. Several other rivers are similarly exceeding danger levels, and with rain predictions suggesting additional water rises, the outlook remains concerning.

Patna: Floods have affected around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar, with the Ganga crossing its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday amid heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring Nepal.The Ganga river rose to 50.53 metres at Gandhi Ghat by 10 am, one cm above the previous highest flood level of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21, 2016, according to the water resources department..River Level Expected To Rise Further, Authorities Issue AlertThe water level rose 10 cm in four hours and is expected to reach 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday. Officials have advised people, particularly those living in low-lying areas, to remain cautious.At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga was also flowing at 43.78 metres, surpassing the previous highest flood level of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16, 2021.Floods Impact 50 Blocks And 201 Gram PanchayatsThe floods have affected 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats in Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria districts.Several rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghara, are flowing above the danger mark at various locations.CM Samrat Choudhary Directs Officials To Monitor Relief WorkChief minister Samrat Choudhary directed ministers and senior officials to visit affected areas and closely supervise relief and rescue operations. He also asked officials to camp in flood-hit areas and ensure prompt assistance to those affected.State water resources department directed district magistrates and superintendents of police to alert people living along embankments and maintain continuous patrolling to deal with emergencies.The state received 60.8 mm rainfall in September so far, 69 per cent above normal, officials said, attributing the rise in river levels to heavy rain in Bihar and neighbouring Nepal.Maharashtra Allows Vehicle Record Corrections Over Aadhaar-RC Name Mismatch, Offers Relief To TransportersThe disaster management department said 38 community kitchens were operating in affected areas. About 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets have been distributed, while 858 boats, 27 SDRF teams and seven NDRF teams have been deployed.BJP national president Nitin Nabin said the government was closely monitoring the situation and making efforts to minimise the difficulties being faced by people.He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also monitoring the situation at the Centre, particularly in view of the continuing rainfall and the situation in Nepal.