Bihar Floods: Ganga Crosses Record Mark In Patna, Over 10 Lakh People Affected Across 11 Districts

Bihar has been hit by devastating floods affecting around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts. The Ganga river surpassed its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday, reaching 50.53 metres by 10 am - just one centimetre shy of the previous record set in 2016. The river continued to rise, with officials predicting it will hit 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday. The situation is particularly dire in Pandarak, where the Ganga reached 43.78 metres - a level not seen since 2021.

At least 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats have been impacted by the flooding, straddling districts like Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria. The Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghara rivers are all flowing above danger levels in various locations.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to closely monitor relief and rescue operations, with many camped in flood-hit areas. State authorities have advised residents, especially those in low-lying regions, to exercise caution. The state has received 60.8 mm of rainfall so far this September - a remarkable 69% above normal - with the heavy downpour believed to be a result of intense storms in Bihar and Nepal.

So far, 38 community kitchens, 12,300 polythene sheets, 2,250 dry ration packets, 858 boats, 27 SDRF teams and 7 NDRF teams have been deployed to aid the affected population.