Bihar floods: Over 19 lakh affected in 11 districts as Ganga crosses danger mark

Over 19 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar have been affected by floods, with authorities issuing an alert for downstream areas after the water level in the Ganga crossed the Highest Flood Level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Sunday (September 6, 2026).

A State Water Resources Department (WRD) official said the situation is likely to persist for the next three days at Hathidah and subsequent downstream gauge stations. The water level at Hathidah may even surpass the previous HFL mark. The official added that heightened vigilance is required in the riparian areas of Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar districts.

“In view of the surge in water levels moving downstream from Gandhi Ghat, officials and field staff have been instructed to remain alert and continuously monitor the levels,” the official said.

The official further said directives have been issued to ensure regular monitoring of river levels, embankments, vulnerable sites and low-lying areas, and to implement precautionary measures in advance. All relevant departmental and field engineers have been instructed to keep flood control resources and machinery in a state of readiness.

According to the Disaster Management Department (DMD), about 19.57 lakh people in 330 gram panchayats across 66 blocks in 11 districts — Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Arwal — have been affected by waterlogging.

Ten National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed across the affected districts to handle emergencies and ensure swift relief and rescue operations.

As of September 6, 2026, the discharge of the Gandak river at Valmikinagar barrage was recorded at 1,29,000 cusecs, with the trend remaining stable. Meanwhile, the discharge of the Kosi river at Birpur barrage stood at 1,73,255 cusecs. The discharge of the Son river at Indrapuri barrage was recorded at 2,27,717 cusecs, with a declining trend. Rivers including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Bagmati are flowing above the danger mark at some locations. The administration is maintaining close vigil over the situation.

The State recorded an average rainfall of 590.6 mm between June 1 and September 6. The Bihar Meteorological Service Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall at many places and heavy rainfall at some locations over the next two days.

Amid rising water levels and the possibility of further flooding, the State government and the DMD are carrying out relief operations.

According to the DMD, 110 community kitchens are currently operating in flood-affected areas, and 1.98 lakh people have so far been served food through these kitchens. One relief camp has been opened for displaced people, with arrangements for accommodation, food and medical care for 326 flood-affected persons.

DMD officials said relief materials are being distributed among affected families. To provide immediate shelter and food, about 55,500 polythene sheets and 10,400 dry ration packets have been distributed so far. A total of 1,345 boats are currently in operation to facilitate transportation in waterlogged areas and help people reach safer locations.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal national working president and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav demanded that the Central government declare Bihar’s floods a “national disaster” and provide special financial assistance of ₹5,000 crore. He also urged the Centre to ensure the support of Air Force helicopters in flood relief and rescue operations.

Mr. Yadav said 76% of Bihar’s area is flood-affected, and 19 districts are gripped by devastating floods, with more than 20 lakh people trapped in the deluge.