Patna, September 9, 2026 : More than 40 lakh people have been affected by floods across 14 districts of Bihar following torrential rainfall over the past five days, with several major rivers flowing above their danger marks, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the Disaster Management Department (DMD), approximately 40.21 lakh people in 514 gram panchayats across 84 blocks have been affected by the floods.
The affected districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnia and Arwal.
🌧️ Heavy Rainfall Triggers Flooding
Officials said incessant rainfall across several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal has also contributed to rising water levels in several rivers.
Bihar has recorded 79.6 mm of rainfall in September so far, around 31 per cent above normal, according to the meteorological service centre.
🚨 Ganga Crosses Previous Highest Flood Level
The situation along the Ganga remains particularly concerning.
The Ganga at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur reached 36.78 metres at 9 am on September 9, exceeding its previous Highest Flood Level (HFL) of 36.75 metres, recorded on August 17, 2021.
Officials said the water-level trend at the location was currently stable.
Several other rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Ganga, Punpun, Bagmati and Ghaghra, are also flowing above danger levels at multiple locations.
🌊 Major Rivers Above Danger Mark
Water levels above the danger mark have been reported at several locations, including:
- Gandak: Dumariya Ghat
- Kosi: Baltara and Kursela
- Burhi Gandak: Khagaria
- Ganga: Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon and Munger
- Punpun: Sripalpur
- Bagmati: Benibad
- Ghaghra: Darauli and Gangpur Siswan
🍲 Relief Operations Intensified
Authorities have stepped up relief measures for the affected population.
A total of 723 community kitchens are currently operating in different districts to provide food to flood-hit residents.
In addition, 15 relief camps have been established, providing accommodation, food, medical care and other essential services to 13,446 evacuees.
The state has so far distributed:
- 1.94 lakh polythene sheets
- Approximately 29,400 dry-ration packets
- 5,178 quintals of animal fodder
To support evacuation and transportation, 1,979 boats are currently being operated across affected areas.
🚤 Barrage Discharges Under Watch
Authorities are closely monitoring water discharge from major barrages.
The Gandak Barrage recorded a discharge of 86,000 cusecs at 10 am on September 9, with the trend remaining stable. Its highest discharge this year was 2,24,000 cusecs on July 14.
The Kosi Barrage recorded a discharge of 1,48,200 cusecs, also with a stable trend. Its highest discharge so far this year was 2,55,425 cusecs on July 20.
At the Indrapuri Barrage on the Sone River, discharge stood at 80,785 cusecs at 10 am, with the trend rising. The highest discharge recorded there this year was 5,63,654 cusecs on September 2.
🛟 NDRF, SDRF Teams Deployed
With the possibility of further flooding, authorities have deployed 27 SDRF teams and 10 NDRF teams across various districts for immediate rescue and relief operations.
The teams are being positioned to assist with evacuation and emergency response in vulnerable areas.
☔ More Rain Expected
The meteorological service centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall at some places in Bihar over the next two days, with heavy rainfall possible at one or two locations.
With river levels already elevated and the Ganga crossing its previous highest flood level at Sultanganj, authorities remain on alert as rescue, relief and river-monitoring operations continue across the state.
