PATNA, BIHAR – The Ganga river has exceeded its highest recorded flood mark in Patna, triggering a major flood alert across Bihar. As of Saturday, September 5, 2026, over 1.02 million people have been impacted by rising water levels in 11 districts.
Ganga Breaches Record Levels
At Gandhi Ghat in Patna, the Ganga's water level reached 50.53 meters on Saturday morning, a centimeter above its previous highest flood level (HFL) of 50.52 meters, recorded on August 21, 2016. Forecasts by the Water Resources Department indicate the water could rise further to 50.62 meters by Sunday morning.
Another critical point, Pandarak in Patna, also saw the Ganga flowing above its previous HFL. Here, the water level stood at 43.78 meters, surpassing the 43.73 meters recorded on August 16, 2021.
Widespread Impact and Rising Rivers
The State Disaster Management Department reports that the floods have affected 1,026,000 people across 50 blocks and 201 gram panchayats in 11 districts. These include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, and Araria.
Several other major rivers are also flowing above their danger marks at various locations. This includes the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, the Punpun at Sripalpur, and the Ghaghara at Darauli. Parts of the Ganga itself are flowing above danger levels at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar, and Munger.
Relief and Rescue Operations Intensify
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed ministers and officials to visit flood-affected areas and closely supervise relief and rescue operations. Senior officials have been instructed to camp in these regions to ensure effective coordination of aid efforts. District magistrates and superintendents of police have been advised to alert residents near river embankments and maintain continuous patrolling by special teams.
Bihar has experienced significant rainfall in September, receiving 60.8 mm, which is 69 percent above the normal average. This, coupled with heavy rainfall in neighboring Nepal, has contributed to the severe flooding.
To assist those affected, 38 community kitchens are currently operational in the flood-hit districts. Authorities have distributed approximately 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets. Additionally, 858 boats, 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) groups have been deployed for rescue and relief work.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister are closely monitoring the situation, assuring that the government is fully committed to mitigating the disaster's impact on the populace.