Floods in Bihar affected more than 19 million people in 11 districts

More than 19 million people in 11 districts of Bihar have been affected by floods, with authorities issuing an alert in downstream areas after the water level of the Ganga crossed the high flood level (HFL) mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, officials said on Sunday (September 6, 2026).

An official of the State Water Resources Department (WRD) said this situation is likely to be observed during the next three days at Hathidah and subsequent downstream gauging stations. The water level in Hathidah could even surpass the previous HFL mark. The ministry official also said that increased vigilance is required in the coastal areas of Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar districts.

“Due to rise in water levels moving downstream from Gandhi Ghat, officials and field workers have been instructed to remain alert and monitor the levels continuously,” the official said.

Preventive measures

The official further said, “Furthermore, directives have been issued to ensure regular monitoring of river levels, embankments, vulnerable places and low-lying areas and to take preventive measures in advance as needed. All relevant departments and field engineers have been instructed to keep flood control assets and machinery in a state of readiness.”

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

Ten teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 27 teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in various affected districts to deal with any emergency and ensure quick relief and rescue operations.

As on 6 September 2026, the flow of river Gandak at Valmikinagar barrage was recorded at 1,29,000 cusecs, with the trend remaining stable. Meanwhile, the flow of river Kosi at Birpur barrage stood at 1,73,255 cusecs. The flow of Son river at Indrapuri barrage was recorded at 2,27,717 cusecs with a decreasing trend. Rivers including Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Bagmati are flowing above the danger mark at some places. However, the administration is constantly and closely monitoring the situation.

The state recorded an average rainfall of 590.6 mm between June 1 and September 6. Bihar Meteorological Services Center has predicted light to moderate rainfall at many places and heavy rainfall at some places during the next two days.

Amid rising water levels in rivers and possibility of flooding in Bihar, the state government and DMD are carrying out rescue operations.

Community kitchen

According to the DMD, a total of 110 community kitchens are currently functioning in the flood-affected areas and 1.98 million people have been served food through these community kitchens so far. One relief camp was opened for displaced persons, where accommodation, food and medical care were provided for 326 persons affected by the floods.

DMD officials say relief materials are being distributed among flood-affected families. To provide immediate shelter and food to such families, around 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 flooded areas and help people get to safer places.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal National Labor President and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav demanded that the central government declare the catastrophic floods in Bihar a “national disaster” and provide special financial assistance of ₹5,000 crore. He urged the Center to ensure Air Force helicopter support in flood relief and rescue operations.

Mr. Yadav said 76% of Bihar’s area was affected by floods and 19 districts were engulfed in devastating floods, with more than 20 million people stranded in the disaster.

“Public infrastructure has suffered severe damage. There has been loss of life and property worth thousands of crores. The already bankrupt government in Bihar is indifferent to help the flood victims. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Bihar immediately, survey the situation on the ground and provide immediate assistance. If it was election time, he would have visited Bihar,” RJD spokesperson in Patna said.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 21:05 IST