Patna: Bihar has stepped up its flood preparedness as the Ganga continues to rise, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directing ministers and senior officials to personally monitor relief and rescue operations across 13 districts.
The directive covers Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar, among other Ganga-side districts. Ministers-in-Charge and Secretaries-in-Charge will visit their respective districts and camp in affected areas to ensure timely assistance reaches residents.
The state government has also placed key agencies in Patna on a 24×7 alert, particularly around areas near the urban safety embankment, as water levels at several Ganga ghats continue to rise.
Ministers and Officials to Monitor Relief on Ground
The Chief Minister has asked the concerned ministers and officials to maintain continuous field-level supervision rather than relying only on administrative reports.
In Patna, the Patna Municipal Corporation, district administration and Water Resources Department have been directed to maintain heightened surveillance around vulnerable areas.
The government said it is closely monitoring the overall flood situation and taking steps to prevent gaps in relief and rescue operations.
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Over 10.26 Lakh People Affected
The Disaster Management Department has intensified operations across affected areas. According to the department, around 10.26 lakh people, or 10,25,745 residents, have been affected across 201 panchayats in 50 blocks of 11 districts.
The affected districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Arwal.
Several measures are already in place to support affected communities:
- 50 medical camps are providing healthcare.
- 19 boat ambulances are supporting medical emergencies and movement.
- 36 veterinary camps are providing care for livestock.
- 858 boats are being used for evacuation and transportation.
- Around 12,314 polythene sheets have been distributed.
- Around 2,228 dry ration packets have reached affected families.
These arrangements are aimed at ensuring that flooding does not disrupt access to essential healthcare, food, shelter and transportation.
38 Community Kitchens Serve Flood-Affected Residents
Food arrangements have also been expanded in affected districts. A total of 38 community kitchens are currently operating to provide cooked meals to people impacted by flooding.
So far, around 1,20,877 people have received food through these kitchens.
A relief camp is also operating in Vaishali, where around 326 flood-affected people have been provided accommodation along with food and medical facilities.
The focus remains on ensuring basic services for displaced families while allowing evacuation and relief operations to continue smoothly.
34 SDRF-NDRF Teams Deployed
The state has deployed specialised rescue teams to respond to emergencies. Seven NDRF teams and 27 SDRF teams are currently positioned across different affected districts.
The deployment is intended to ensure faster response in areas facing rising water levels, inundation or evacuation requirements.
According to Central Water Commission information, the Ganga is flowing above its previous Highest Flood Level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat and Pandarak in Patna. The Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra rivers are also flowing above the danger mark at various locations.
Major Rivers Continue to Carry High Water Discharge
Water discharge remains significant at major barrages in the state. The Gandak at Valmikinagar Barrage recorded 1.26 lakh cusecs, while the Kosi at Birpur Barrage recorded 1.77 lakh cusecs. The Son at Indrapuri Barrage recorded 3.48 lakh cusecs.
The situation remains closely watched because additional rainfall could further increase water levels in vulnerable river systems.
More Rain Forecast Over Next Two Days
The Bihar Meteorological Service Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall at many places and heavy rainfall at some locations over the next two days.
With the possibility of continued rainfall and rising river levels, the Disaster Management Department is maintaining close, continuous monitoring of the situation.
The government’s field-based response, deployment of specialised rescue teams and expansion of food, healthcare and evacuation facilities are aimed at limiting the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities. With ministers and senior officials now directed to remain on the ground, the administration is seeking faster coordination between districts and emergency agencies.
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