Gandak floods Bihar’s West Champaran as three embankments breach, creates panic among residents

Severe rains in Nepal triggered a flood in the Gandak River, also called Narayani in Nepal, causing three embankments to break in the last two days in West Champaran district of Bihar, located on the Indo-Nepal border. This event, which occurred between September 28 and September 29, 2026, left residents distressed as low-lying areas, farms, and the town of Bagaha were submerged. The Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, and Sone rivers are experiencing high water levels, threatening the border districts of Bihar.

The flood began on September 28 night at Kharatwa Daroga Chowk in Singhari Pipariya panchayat in Bagaha, followed by a breach near Phulia Khad village in Bairia block. The third breach occurred on September 29 morning near Makari Tesarahiya village, causing water to rush into several villages including Chakhani, Rjwatia, Pipariya, Bargaon, Belwa, Dumaria, Patilar, Ratwal, and Lgunaha. The Valmikinagar barrage discharged a record 5.43 lakh cusecs of water on September 28, contributing to the flood.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been conducting aerial surveys of the affected areas, issuing directives for prompt relief and rescue operations. In West Champaran, residents have taken shelter on elevated embankment sections, while some villagers have intentionally weakened embankments to allow water to flow over a wider area, reducing damage. The district administration has initiated day-night patrols along embankments to prevent additional breaches.

Principal Secretary of the State Disaster Management Department, Santosh Kumar Mall, reported that one company each of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been sent to the affected regions, with two additional NDRF and SDRF companies already in Champaran to handle any future events.

The water levels in swollen rivers are declining, providing some relief to the population. Relief camps have been established, including one at a high school in Bathana village, and 23 community kitchens are operating across West Champaran district.

Residents are constantly moving between elevated locations, gathering their belongings and animals. The district administration has distributed black tarpaulin sheets to assist them. Sanjay Dubey, a Bagaha resident, expressed frustration at the cruel fate that flooded their homes. Earlier, the Ganga and its tributaries also swelled, causing flooding in areas like Punpun and Hatidah in Patna district.

However, these waters receded without causing major casualties. Currently, border districts such as Gopalganj and Saran are facing a similar flood threat due to ongoing heavy rainfall in Nepal. Embankments in Gopalganj and Saran have also breached in certain locations. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted another aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Champaran on September 30, 2026.