Bihar Flood: Fresh breach in the embankment in Saran, Gopalganj and Muzaffarpur

Floodwaters breached embankments in Saran, Gopalganj, and Muzaffarpur on Thursday (October 1, 2026) following additional breaks in the Gandak River's banks and dams. Earlier, breaches occurred in West and East Champaran districts. In Gopalganj, the Shitalpur dam collapse affected many villages, while a breach in the Panapur area of Chhapra, Saran, and a ring bund of the Tirhut main embankment in Sahebganj block, Muzaffarpur, were also damaged.

Following significant rainfall in Nepal and Uttar Pradesh, the Gandak River is in spate. In Dumaria Ghat (Gopalganj), water levels have been about 22 cm above the Highest Flood Level (HFL) for 36 hours, while at Rewaghat (Saran) and Lalganj (Vaishali), they remain above this mark for 24 hours. This surge has put immense pressure on both embankments of the Gandak.

The Water Resources Department reported that the already elevated Ganga's water level has further complicated the situation, with backflow pressure building up in the Gandak. Critical seepage and piping conditions were observed at three locations along the Saran embankment, but the department stated that flood-fighting operations to secure these points are being carried out urgently.

Despite the water level beginning to drop, it still exceeds the record all-time high flood level. The Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected the JP Ganga Path to assess the rising Ganga River water level and directed officials to ensure public safety and minimal inconvenience. The government is alert over the rising water levels and has sought Air Force assistance for relief and rescue operations.

Air Force helicopters have air-dropped dry rations in Saran's Panapur block. Fourteen NDRF teams are deployed for relief and rescue operations, including relocating stranded individuals to safer places and distributing relief supplies.