PATNA– A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Bihar as continuous torrential rains have caused the Ganga River and its tributaries to breach danger levels, submerging large areas and forcing mass evacuations across the state.
From Buxar to Bhagalpur—including Patna, Banka, Kahalgaon, and Navgachhiya—floodwaters are rising rapidly, displacing thousands and destroying homes, farmland, and infrastructure.
In Patna, the Ganga has crossed the danger mark at both Digha and Gandhi Ghats. In Danapur, alarming scenes show cattle herders clinging to their livestock while navigating floodwaters in search of fodder. Locals estimate that nearly 250 cattle are being moved this way daily.
The Diara regions of Patna are already flooded, prompting residents to flee to safer areas. Despite the flood risk, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Ganga Ghats on the final Monday of the holy month of Sawan. SDRF teams have been deployed and strict security measures put in place, yet many people were seen wading into the dangerously high waters.
In Buxar, the sacred Ramrekha Ghat is completely submerged, and water has entered residential areas along the Tadka Nallah. “The water is rising quickly—we urge everyone to relocate immediately. We’re doing everything we can,” said Avinash Kumar, SDM of Buxar.
The Ganga is currently rising at a rate of 1 cm per hour. Major tributaries, including the Kosi and Chandan rivers, are also swelling. In Bhagalpur, floodwaters have surrounded the Budhanath Temple, and the Mashani Kali Temple is already underwater.
Tragedy struck Bhagalpur’s Sanokhar police station area, where two children drowned on Monday. One of the victims, 15-year-old Mohammad Shamim, was swept away while bathing. Officials have urged families to keep children away from flood-affected zones.
Road connectivity has been severely affected. The Sabour–Jamsi road is now submerged due to rising waters from the Katariya River, isolating villages like Bhitti and Sardo. In Kahalgaon, the Ganga is flowing 39 cm above the danger mark. Other rivers—including the Kua, Ghogha, Gerua, and Bhayana—have flooded villages such as Pakadtalla, Amapur Chhoti, and Tofil Anthavan.
In Ismailpur-Bind Toli, the Ganga is flowing 57 cm above the warning level. Near Madrauni, the Kosi is approaching danger levels. With roads washed away, residents now depend on tin boats for mobility.
Infrastructure is under extreme strain. Spur number 9 has collapsed, and pressure is building on Spur number 8. Contractors are on 24/7 emergency alert to execute flood-control measures.
The Central Water Commission warns that the Ganga’s water level will continue to rise in the coming days. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall, exacerbating fears of further flooding.
Experts caution that the worst may still be ahead. “The administration is responding actively, but nature is proving stronger than any human effort,” said a senior disaster management official. (Source: IANS)
