Torrential Rains Trigger Massive Flooding Across Bihar; Ganga Breaches Danger Mark, Thousands Affected

Patna: A relentless spell of heavy rains has plunged large parts of Bihar into a severe flood crisis, with the Ganga River and its tributaries spilling over and inundating dozens of towns and villages. As rising water levels threaten lives and livelihoods, the state government has launched large-scale evacuation efforts amid a worsening humanitarian emergency.

From Patna to Bhagalpur and Buxar to Banka, floodwaters have swamped low-lying areas, displaced families, submerged infrastructure, and triggered widespread panic. In the state capital, the Ganga has crossed danger levels at Digha and Gandhi Ghats, with the Diara region already experiencing water intrusion.

Despite the threat, large numbers of devotees gathered at the Ganga Ghats in Patna for rituals on the final Monday of Sawan. Authorities deployed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and enforced security protocols, but crowds were seen entering the surging river.

In Danapur, dramatic scenes unfolded as cattle herders braved the flooded river, using cattle tails or riding animals across swollen waters in search of fodder. Local reports estimate nearly 250 cattle are being ferried this way daily.

Buxar is among the worst-hit districts. Ramrekha Ghat has been fully submerged, and floodwaters have entered homes near Tadka Nallah. “The situation is escalating quickly. We urge people to cooperate and move to higher ground,” said Avinash Kumar, SDM of Buxar.

In Bhagalpur, tragedy struck as two children drowned in floodwaters in the Sanokhar police station area. One of the victims, 15-year-old Mohammad Shamim, was swept away while bathing. Authorities have recovered the bodies and urged residents to keep children away from waterlogged zones.

Iconic temples such as Budhanath and Mashani Kali are surrounded or submerged. Roads like the Sabour–Jamsi stretch have been closed after the Katariya River overflowed, cutting off villages like Bhitti and Sardo.

Further east, in Kahalgaon and nearby areas, the Ganga is flowing nearly 40 cm above the danger mark. Tributary rivers — including the Kua, Ghogha, Gerua, and Bhayana — have inundated settlements such as Pakadtalla, Amapur Chhoti, and Tofil Anthavan. Locals now rely on makeshift tin boats for daily movement, with roads completely underwater.

Flood pressure has started to affect infrastructure too. Spur number 9 has collapsed, while Spur number 8 is under critical stress. Emergency contractors have been placed on round-the-clock alert to carry out urgent reinforcement and repair work.

Meanwhile, in Ismailpur-Bind Toli, the Ganga is 57 cm above the warning level, and the Kosi River near Madrauni is also nearing dangerous levels. Croplands and homes are submerged, worsening the crisis across multiple districts.

The Central Water Commission has warned of further rise in water levels in the coming days, while the Meteorological Department predicts continued rainfall across Bihar. Disaster experts caution that the situation could worsen significantly if rains persist.

“The response from authorities is ongoing, but we are dealing with forces far beyond human control,” a senior disaster official noted.

District administrations have issued emergency helplines — 08183-223333 — and stepped up evacuation, relief, and rescue operations across the state. Residents have been urged to remain alert and follow all safety advisories.