Nearly 5 million people affected as Bihar battles severe monsoon flooding

Bihar's monsoon crisis deepened on Monday as nearly 49.36 lakh people across 15 districts grappled with severe flooding triggered by above-normal rainfall and swollen rivers. The affected districts span from Patna and Bhojpur in the south to Purnea and Araria in the north, with each facing water-related emergencies and displacement concerns.

Meteorological data indicates the state has received 111.7 mm of rainfall so far in September, approximately 13 per cent higher than the seasonal average. Authorities attributed the flooding to persistent downpours in the catchment areas of rivers originating in Nepal, combined with intense rainfall across Bihar itself, causing multiple waterways to surge well beyond safe limits.

The situation along major river systems underscores the scale of the crisis. The Ganga was flowing at 36.21 metres at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district as of Monday morning—1.71 metres above the danger threshold. The Kosi and other tributaries also maintained dangerously elevated water levels, heightening risks for communities in flood-prone zones.

The Disaster Management Department has been coordinating response efforts across the affected districts, which include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Madhepura and Araria. Authorities warned residents to remain vigilant as rivers continued their swelling trajectory.