Ganga River Surges Past Flood Mark in Patna, Affecting Over 19 Lakh
The Ganga River has breached its highest flood level in Patna, Bihar, impacting over 19.57 lakh people across 11 districts. Authorities have issued alerts for downstream areas as multiple rivers remain above danger levels, necessitating intensified relief and rescue operations.
Key Highlights
- Ganga river surpasses highest flood level in Patna.
- Over 19.57 lakh people affected across 11 Bihar districts.
- Downstream areas alerted due to rising river levels.
- Multiple rivers breach danger marks, exacerbating flood situation.
- Relief and rescue operations are underway.
- Heavy rainfall and upstream water flow contributing to the crisis.
The Ganga River has breached its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, Bihar, leading to a severe flood situation that has affected over 19.57 lakh people across 11 districts as of Sunday, September 6, 2026. The river's water level at Gandhi Ghat reached 50.57 meters at 6 am on Sunday, which is 0.05 meters above its previous highest flood level (HFL) of 50.52 meters recorded on August 21, 2016. While the trend at Gandhi Ghat was reported as stable, authorities have issued warnings for potential impacts on Hathidah and subsequent gauge stations in the coming one to three days due to continued heavy rainfall. The surge in the Ganga's water level is attributed to sustained downpours in Bihar and heavy rainfall across the border in Nepal, which has caused several other rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, Punpun, and Ghaghara, to also cross their danger levels at various points. The flood has impacted approximately 19.57 lakh people spread across 330 gram panchayats in districts such as Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, and Araria. This marks a worsening situation compared to earlier assessments, which reported around 16.85 lakh people affected. In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have sounded alerts in downstream areas and intensified relief and rescue operations. This includes the deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, along with the operation of community kitchens to provide food to the affected population. The Water Resources Department has also issued advisories, directing officials to remain alert, continuously monitor water levels and embankments, and take necessary precautionary measures. Engineers have been instructed to keep flood-control resources and machinery ready. The Bihar Meteorological Service Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall over the next two days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in some locations, raising concerns about further increases in river levels. The Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has directed ministers and senior officials to visit flood-hit areas, oversee relief and rescue operations, and ensure prompt measures are taken. The previous highest flood level of the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat was recorded on August 21, 2016, and at Pandarak in Patna on August 16, 2021, highlighting the recurring nature of such flood events in the region. The situation underscores the vulnerability of these areas to monsoon-related flooding, exacerbated by climate change and upstream rainfall patterns. The interconnectedness of the river system means that events in Nepal can have significant downstream consequences in Bihar. The ongoing flood situation emphasizes the need for robust disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and long-term strategies for flood management and mitigation in the region. The involvement of various agencies and departments in coordinated relief efforts is crucial for managing the immediate crisis and supporting affected communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current flood situation in Patna?
The Ganga River has breached its highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, affecting over 19.57 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar. Multiple other rivers are also flowing above danger levels.
How many people have been affected by the floods in Bihar?
As of Sunday, September 6, 2026, approximately 19.57 lakh people have been affected by the floods across 11 districts in Bihar.
What caused the Ganga River to breach its flood mark?
The breach is attributed to heavy rainfall in Bihar and upstream areas, including Nepal, which has led to a significant rise in the water levels of the Ganga and its tributaries.