Over 40 lakh affected in 14 Bihar districts amid severe flooding

PATNA: More than 40 lakh people have been affected by floods in 14 districts of Bihar following incessant rainfall over the past five days, with several rivers flowing above the danger mark at multiple locations, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Disaster Management Department (DMD), around 41.45 lakh people in 517 gram panchayats spread across 84 blocks have been affected by the flooding.

The situation has been aggravated by continuous rainfall, which has caused rivers to swell and inundate low-lying areas in several parts of the state. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels and the flood situation in vulnerable districts.

Among the districts affected by the floods are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur and Begusarai.

The rise in water levels has disrupted normal life in several areas, with floodwaters affecting villages and rural settlements. Local administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to deal with the situation.

Officials are monitoring rivers and water levels at various locations as the rainfall continues to pose a threat of further flooding. The administration is also assessing the impact on affected communities and infrastructure.

The large number of people affected highlights the scale of the flooding across Bihar, where several districts are situated along major river systems that are vulnerable to rising water levels during periods of heavy rainfall.

Authorities have been advised to maintain preparedness in areas facing a heightened flood risk and ensure that relief and emergency measures can be undertaken as required.

With several rivers continuing to flow above the danger mark, officials are keeping a close watch on the situation, particularly in densely populated and low-lying areas.

The DMD’s assessment of 41.45 lakh affected people covers 517 gram panchayats across 84 blocks in the 14 affected districts. The department is expected to continue updating the assessment as the flood situation develops.

Further rainfall could worsen the situation in vulnerable areas, making continued monitoring and timely response critical for the safety of residents.