Bihar floods affect 50 lakh people across 15 districts

Widespread flooding has devastated Bihar as rivers continued to surge above critical thresholds following days of heavy precipitation across the state. Official assessments indicate approximately 50 lakh people spread across 15 districts have been affected by the rising water levels, with entire communities facing displacement and loss of property.

The situation has been exacerbated by persistent rainfall that has kept rivers in spate, hampering relief efforts and preventing normal life resumption in affected areas. Multiple districts are struggling with waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to essential services, leaving vulnerable populations in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The Congress party has intensified pressure on state authorities, demanding prompt deployment of relief and rescue teams to affected regions. The party has emphasised the need for coordinated government action to evacuate people from high-risk zones and provide emergency supplies including food, clean water, and medical aid.

Authorities have begun initial assessments of the damage, though access to several flood-hit areas remains challenging due to submerged roads and communication breakdowns. The state disaster management agency has mobilised resources, but civil society organisations warn that the scale of the crisis requires a more comprehensive and expedited response to prevent a humanitarian emergency.