Bihar Faces Severe Flood Crisis: Thousands Displaced as Rivers Overflow
Humanitarian Emergency in Bihar
Patna: A critical humanitarian situation is emerging in Bihar as continuous heavy rainfall leads to the overflowing of the Ganga River and its tributaries, inundating extensive areas and endangering lives. Evacuations are currently underway.
The crisis is escalating from Buxar to Bhagalpur, affecting regions such as Patna, Banka, Kahalgaon, and Navgachhiya, with rivers surpassing danger levels and thousands of residents facing displacement.
In Patna, the Ganga has exceeded the danger threshold at both Digha and Gandhi Ghats.
Alarming images from Danapur depict cattle herders risking their safety and that of their livestock by navigating the flooded river, often holding onto cattle tails or riding them in search of food.
Local estimates suggest that approximately 250 cattle are being transported in this manner each day.
The Diara regions of Patna are already experiencing water encroachment, prompting migration to safer areas.
Despite the flood threat, many devotees flocked to the Ganga Ghats on the last Monday of Sawan.
Authorities have deployed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and enforced strict security measures, yet individuals continue to venture into the turbulent waters.
In Buxar, the revered Ramrekha Ghat is entirely submerged, with floodwaters infiltrating homes along the Tadka Nallah.
Avinash Kumar, SDM of Buxar, stated, “The floodwaters are rising rapidly. Every moment is crucial. We urge everyone to avoid risks and relocate to safer locations. We are doing everything possible.”
The Ganga is currently rising at a rate of 1 centimeter per hour, with tributaries like the Kosi and Chandan Rivers also swelling.
The Budhanath temple in Bhagalpur is surrounded by floodwaters, while the Mashani Kali temple is already submerged.
Tragically, two children drowned in Bhagalpur's Sanokhar police station area on Monday, including 15-year-old Mohammad Shamim, who was swept away while bathing. Authorities have sent the bodies for post-mortem and are advising parents to keep children away from flood-prone areas.
The Sabour–Jamsi road has been closed due to flooding from the Katariya River, isolating Bhitti and Sardo villages.
With agricultural fields and homes now underwater, the devastation is worsening.
The Ganga is flowing 57 centimeters above the warning level in Ismailpur-Bind Toli, while the Kosi River near Madrauni approaches danger levels.
In Kahalgaon, the Ganga is 39 centimeters above the danger mark. Tributaries such as the Kua, Ghogha, Gerua, and Bhayana have flooded villages like Pakadtalla, Amapur Chhoti, and Tofil Anthavan.
Residents are now relying on tin boats as roads have completely vanished beneath the water.
Infrastructure is beginning to fail, with Spur number 9 collapsing and heavy pressure on Spur number 8.
Contractors have been placed on a 24/7 emergency alert to implement flood-fighting measures.
The Central Water Commission has indicated that Ganga water levels will continue to rise in the coming days. With no respite in rainfall expected, the threat of further flooding remains significant.
Environmental and disaster experts caution that the worst may still be ahead.
A senior disaster management official remarked, “The administrative response is active, but nature is far more powerful than human effort.”
District officials in all affected areas have provided emergency contact numbers 08183-223333 and initiated evacuation and relief operations.