Floods affect 49 million people in 15 districts of Bihar as rivers continue to rise

A temple complex and surrounding structures stand partially submerged as the swollen Ganga River continues to flow above the danger mark in Bhagalpur on September 13, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

More than 49 million people in 15 districts of Bihar were affected by floods on Monday (September 14, 2026) as heavy rain over the past few days further swelled the state’s rivers, which are already flowing above their danger marks.

The local meteorological office said the state has recorded 111.7 mm of rainfall so far in September, about 13% above normal.

The official said incessant rain in the river basins flowing from Nepal to Bihar and heavy rainfall in the state itself have caused several rivers and streams to flow above their danger marks.

About 49.36 lakh people in 15 districts have been affected by the floods, according to the disaster management department.

These districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnea, Madhepura and Araria.

The Ganga was flowing at 36.21 meters at 6:00 AM at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur on Monday (September 14, 2026), which was 1.71 meters above the danger level.

Kosi river flowed above the danger mark at Baltara and Kursela, Budhi Gandak at Khagaria, Ganga at Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon and Munger, Punpun at Sripalpur, Bagmati at Benibad and Ghaghara at Darauli.

The administration operated 1,260 community kitchens and 13 relief camps in flood-affected areas. Accommodation, food, medical care and other essential arrangements have been provided for about 11,060 people, the agency said.

The Disaster Management Department said the barrage over the Gandak river in Valmiki Nagar recorded a release of 90,600 cusecs of water at 10:00 on Monday (September 14, 2026) with an upward trend. Kosi barrage in Birpur recorded 1,51,015 cusecs of water release, against this year’s high of 2,55,425 cusecs on July 20.

27 teams of State Disaster Response Force and 10 teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in various districts to help in rescue and relief operations.

Published – 14 Sep 2026 12:52 IST