Bihar Flood Alert: Ganga Crosses Highest Flood Level as Patna Faces Rising Risk

The flood threat in Bihar intensified on Saturday as the Ganga rose above its highest flood level at one monitoring point in Patna, while several other rivers continued to flow above their danger marks across the state.

The latest situation follows a high alert issued for eight districts earlier this week — Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad — after the Water Resources Department forecast that the Ganga could cross its highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna and Hathidah in Mokama.

By Saturday, the situation had moved beyond a forecast. Bihar’s flood-monitoring system showed the Ganga above its highest flood level at Kolhachak, while levels at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah remained close to their respective highest flood marks. At Gandhi Ghat, the latest listed level was 50.37 metres against an HFL of 50.52 metres. Hathidah was at 43.23 metres against an HFL of 43.52 metres.

Patna remains a key concern

Patna has been one of the main areas of concern as the Ganga has continued to rise. Earlier reports recorded the river at Gandhi Ghat climbing from 49.40 metres on September 1 to 50.25 metres by September 3, putting it well above the 48.60-metre danger level at the location.

The rising water has already affected low-lying areas along the river. Reports from Patna on Friday described inundation of roads, villages and agricultural land, while water entered areas close to several ghats. The city’s cremation grounds have also been affected by the rising river, complicating access and the performance of last rites.

Authorities have restricted access around vulnerable riverfront locations and advised residents to avoid rivers, ghats, embankments and waterlogged areas. The Bihar Disaster Management Department has also advised people in vulnerable locations to remain alert and keep emergency supplies available.

Eight districts were placed on high alert

The original high-alert order covered eight districts: Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad.

The warning was issued after forecasts indicated that the Ganga could cross its highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah. Officials said residents in low-lying and riverbank areas should be prepared for possible evacuation if conditions worsened.

The State Disaster Management Department also advised people to stay away from flooded areas and avoid unnecessary movement near rivers. The state emergency helpline listed in the advisory is 1070.

However, the latest flood-monitoring data indicate that the wider situation is not confined to those eight districts. Several rivers across Bihar are now above danger levels, including parts of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Punpun, Burhi Gandak and Ghaghra systems.

Rescue teams and boats deployed

The Bihar government has stepped up preparations as water levels remain elevated.

According to the latest reporting, 33 rescue teams — six from the National Disaster Response Force and 27 from the State Disaster Response Force — have been deployed in vulnerable locations. Nearly 700 government-operated boats are also being used for evacuation, relief and movement in affected areas.

Relief camps and community kitchens have been established or prepared in areas facing the greatest risks, including parts of Patna, Bhojpur, Vaishali and Bhagalpur. Officials have been instructed to keep essential supplies such as food, drinking water and medicines available.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has reviewed the flood situation and relief preparations, with officials instructed to maintain close watch on embankments and respond quickly if evacuation becomes necessary.

Other rivers are adding to the pressure

The Ganga is not the only river causing concern.

Bihar’s official flood-monitoring system shows several rivers above their danger levels. On September 4, the Ganga was above the danger mark at Buxar, Bhagalpur, Dighaghat, Sultanganj, Munger and Kahalgaon, among other monitoring points.

The Gandak was above danger levels at locations including Dumariaghat, Bagaha, Hajipur and Lalganj. The Kosi was also above danger level at several points, while the Punpun was above danger level at Kinjer and Sripalpur. The Burhi Gandak, Ghaghra and other rivers were similarly elevated at various monitoring stations.

The combination of high river levels is making flood management more complicated, particularly in low-lying areas and places where smaller rivers and drainage channels can back up.

Rain could keep the situation unsettled

Weather conditions remain an important factor.

The India Meteorological Department’s Patna centre issued warnings for Bihar showing heavy-rain potential on September 5, followed by further heavy-rain warnings on September 6, 7 and 8. Thunderstorms and lightning were also included in the warning outlook.

That forecast matters because additional rainfall in Bihar and upstream catchments can influence river levels and prolong flooding in already saturated areas.

The latest official river data do not establish that every area under alert will be flooded. They do, however, show that water levels remain high and that several monitoring stations are already recording severe or extreme flood conditions.

For residents in vulnerable areas, authorities are urging caution, particularly around rivers, embankments, ghats, and inundated roads. Any evacuation instructions issued by local administrations should be followed promptly.

The situation remains fluid, with river levels and rainfall forecasts capable of changing conditions over the coming days.