Bihar is grappling with one of the worst flood situations this monsoon season as continuous rainfall since five days has inundated 14 districts across the state. Officials estimate more than 40 lakh residents have been directly impacted, with Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai among the hardest-hit areas.
The most alarming development has come from Bhagalpur, where the River Ganga's water level at Sultan ganj crossing touched 36.78 meters — surpassing the previous highest reading of 36.75 meters recorded in 2021. The rising waters have already encroached upon the campus of Tilakamajhi University, forcing authorities to take emergency measures.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Bihar has recorded 83.6 millimeters of rainfall so far in September, which is approximately 24 percent above the long-period average. Meteorologists warn that the wet spell may persist, keeping flood warnings in effect for the coming days.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Uttar Pradesh, residents along the banks of the Ramganga River discovered that a popular temple had become completely surrounded by water, with devotees unable to reach it without boats. The Sarayu River, flowing through Ayodhya and surrounding areas, has also swollen dangerously, sweeping away several homes in low-lying settlements.
In stark contrast, large stretches of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have seen virtually no rainfall this month, raising concerns about irrigation shortages and groundwater depletion in those regions.
State disaster response teams in Bihar have deployed rescue boats and established relief camps in affected villages. Senior officials have urged residents in flood-prone zones to move to higher ground and avoid riverbanks. The situation remains dynamic as water levels continue to rise in several locations.
