PATNA, September 9, 2026 – The flood situation in Bihar has worsened significantly, affecting more than 35.89 lakh people across 14 districts as major rivers continue to swell. Authorities have sounded a high alert for downstream areas after the Ganga river crossed its highest-ever recorded flood level in the Bhagalpur district on Tuesday.
1.Expanding Crisis & Record Water Levels:
According to the Disaster Management Department, the deluge has severely impacted districts including Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnea, and Arwal. The crisis is being driven by heavy rainfall, with the state recording 79.6 mm of rain in September so far—31 percent above normal. In Bhagalpur’s Sultanganj, the Ganga reached 36.80 metres, surpassing its previous all-time high of 36.75 metres recorded on August 17, 2021. Other major rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun, Bagmati, and Ghaghra, are also flowing well above their danger levels.
2.Casualties and Massive Rescue Operations:
The flooding claimed a life after a boat carrying 11 people capsized on the Ganga in Vaishali; nine people were rescued, one died, and one remains missing. In response to the worsening conditions, the government has launched massive relief operations, deploying 27 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Additionally, 1,876 boats have been pressed into service, and 456 community kitchens alongside 14 relief camps are currently operating to provide food, accommodation, and medical care to the displaced. The situation remains tense as the Gandak Barrage discharged 92,900 cusecs and the Kosi Barrage let out 1,61,135 cusecs of water on Tuesday evening.
3.Political Fallout and Calls for a Permanent Solution:
The escalating crisis has prompted strong political reactions. RJD president Lalu Prasad expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s flood control measures, demanding a “permanent solution” to the recurring natural disaster. Pointing out that much of the devastation in north Bihar is caused by rivers originating across the border, the former chief minister emphasized the need for “straight talk” with Nepal regarding river management—an issue he noted was famously championed by his mentor, the late Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur.
As emergency teams continue their rescue operations, the state remains on high alert with continued monitoring of the barrage discharges and upstream water flows.
Published by True Roots Media Network