The capital city of Bihar, Patna, is fighting a losing battle against the mighty Ganga. As of September 5, 2026, the river has breached the 'highest flood mark' at Gandhi Ghat, reaching 50.53 metres – a full centimetre above the record level . The swelling Ganges, along with the Son and Punpun rivers, has turned vast swathes of the city into waterlogged zones, affecting over 8.5 lakh people across 14 districts .
In Bindu Toli, submerged homes have forced nearly 1,500 families to abandon everything and take refuge in makeshift tents along the JP Ganga Path . The vital road to Baba Hariharnath in Sonpur has been completely cut off, while construction on the six-lane Diyara bridge has ground to a halt . Meanwhile, in Danapur, homes, schools, temples, and farmlands are all underwater . This is not just a natural disaster – it's a humanitarian crisis unfolding in real-time.
The Numbers That Paint a Grim Picture
The scale of this disaster is staggering. According to the Disaster Management Department, more than 8.5 lakh people have been affected across Bihar . The Animal Husbandry Department reports that approximately 70,000 animals have also been impacted . With 700 boats being operated for rescue operations, authorities are working overtime to evacuate stranded families .
The situation in Patna district is particularly acute. Official figures show that nearly 99,569 people from 24 panchayats in seven blocks – Athmalgola, Barh, Danapur, Daniyawan, Maner, Mokama and Patna Sadar – have been caught in the flood's grip .
JP Ganga Path: From Leisure Drive to Refugee Camp
The scenic JP Ganga Path, popularly known as Patna's Marine Drive, has undergone a heartbreaking transformation. Once a stretch for evening strolls and quiet river views, it has now become a makeshift refuge for thousands fleeing the rising fury of the Ganga .
Families from Kurji Bind Tola and the low-lying diara belts were among the first to flee. They have now pitched bamboo-and-sack shelters along JP Ganga Path, stretching from LCT Ghat to Digha. What was once a smooth riverside road is now lined with tarpaulin sheets, makeshift kitchens, and the quiet anxiety of displacement .
One displaced resident, Dharmendra Mahto, told reporters: "We get food which comprises rice, pulses and vegetables two times a day. We have created temporary shelters with bamboo and sacks. Every year, when the water enters our home, we settle here temporarily. It has been a week since we have settled here" .
Another resident described the slow, painful march of the river into their lives: "All of us did not come together. We left one by one as the water began to seep into our homes. Besides food, we have been provided toilet facilities and medical care here" .
For some, even small comforts mean a great deal. "The street lights here are a relief for us in the dark as we have not been provided lights this year," said Sunny Kumar, adding how the glare from the lamps now feels like protection .
Danapur: A District Underwater
The situation in Danapur is particularly dire. All six panchayats in the Danapur diara area remain completely submerged under rising floodwaters with no available transport . An elderly resident, speaking to ANI, urged the District Magistrate to arrange boat services, cattle fodder, and immediate relief materials:
"All six panchayats are completely surrounded by floodwaters, and there are no facilities or arrangements available here. I urge the DM Sir to make a provision of cattle fodder in the area. There is no arrangement at all for us to go to the local market or anywhere else. Hence, I appeal to the DM Sir and the MLA to send relief materials here and arrange for boats so that we can conveniently transport patients or anyone else in need" .
The floodwaters have also affected dozens of government schools in the riverine area, which have been temporarily closed . In Danapur, homes, schools, temples, and farmlands are all underwater, leaving residents with no dry spot to stand.
Punpun River: The Silent Threat
While the Ganga grabs headlines, the Punpun river has emerged as a silent but deadly threat. In Fatua, just 10-15 kilometres from Patna, the Sukulpur village with a population of approximately 8,000 is completely submerged .
Residents are battling waist-to-neck-deep water in their homes. Schools, roads, drinking water taps, and shelters are all inundated . But what's most troubling is the administration's apparent neglect. Despite being so close to the capital, no government boat has reached the village, no community kitchen has been set up, and no aid has arrived .
Adding to the terror, villagers have spotted two crocodiles in the floodwaters, alongside poisonous snakes and scorpions . The government school is completely submerged, leaving education for children suspended .
Worst of all, the rising water of the Punpun has affected train operations on the Gaya-Patna rail section. After water entered the down track of Railway Bridge Number 21 at Punpun Ghat, train operations have been suspended until further orders .
Ganga Breaches Highest Flood Mark
The Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm in just four hours on Saturday morning, reaching 50.53 metres – a full centimetre above the 'highest flood level' . The Water Resources Department has forecast a continued rise to 50.62 metres by Sunday morning, with people advised to exercise caution .
The floodwaters – initially confined to the ghats in Patna – are now reaching cremation grounds, causing immense difficulty for those arriving at the holy river to perform last rites of their loved ones . Areas including Malsalami, Didarganj, Chowk, Gaighat, Kangan Ghat, and Bundel Toli have seen floodwaters reaching roads .
In Digha's Nakta Diyara area, the situation is equally grim. A local resident running a hotel and wood shop told NDTV: "The water level is rising by two or three feet a day. It looks like it will keep rising, which is causing major difficulties... fewer customers are coming to the shop" .
Relief Efforts Underway
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas on Friday and reviewed relief and rescue operations . He directed officials to identify affected families, ensure they receive relief on time, and continuously monitor vulnerable areas and the Ganga embankments from Buxar to Bhagalpur to prevent erosion and possible breaches .
The administration has deployed 9 NDRF teams and 27 SDRF teams across affected districts . In Danapur alone, 50 boats have been deployed, while Maner has received 40 boats . Six community kitchens are operating to feed the displaced, while two relief camps provide shelter and food .
So far, 5,172 dry ration packets and 5,383 polythene sheets have been distributed among affected families . FRP and pink toilets, drinking water points, and medical facilities have been installed at relief camps .
The Human Cost: Stories from the Ground
The Family on JP Ganga Path: Dharmendra Mahto's family has been living on the JP Ganga Path for a week. Their home in Bindu Toli is now underwater. They survive on rice, pulses, and vegetables provided twice a day .
The Elderly Villager in Danapur: "We are standing and eating in the water. The overall situation is extremely terrifying... We are left with no options or alternatives whatsoever anywhere. In an emergency involving medicines, treatment, or pregnant women, we have no proper way to arrange medical treatment for them" .
The Resident of Nakta Diyara: "I run a hotel and a wood shop... the water level is rising by two or three feet a day. It looks like it will keep rising, which is causing major difficulties... few customers are coming to the shop" .
The Family in Sukulpur: With waist-deep water in their homes, villagers have moved their essential supplies onto charpoys and beds to save them from spoilage. The kitchen stove and gas cylinder are submerged . Women are struggling to cook or manage household work.
What's Next? Water Level Forecast
According to the Water Resources Department, the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat is likely to rise further to 50.62 metres by 8 am on Sunday . The situation could worsen further with the forecast of continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas .
However, there is a glimmer of hope. According to the Water Resources Department, the water levels of the Ganga and Son rivers are likely to recede somewhat over the next few days .
How You Can Help
1. Donate to verified relief organizations: Ensure your contribution reaches those in need.
2. Spread awareness: Share this article and ground reports to keep the issue in public discourse.
3. Support affected families: If you can, contribute to community kitchens or relief camps.
4.Stay informed: Follow updates from the Disaster Management Department and local authorities.
Conclusion: A City in Distress
Patna is fighting a battle it has fought before, but the scale of this year's flooding is unprecedented. The Ganga breaching its highest flood mark, the Punpun river wreaking havoc, and the Son river adding to the pressure have created a perfect storm .
As thousands of families sit in makeshift tents on the JP Ganga Path, as children in Sukulpur village watch their schools disappear under water, and as elderly villagers in Danapur plead for cattle fodder, the human cost of this disaster becomes painfully clear .
The administration is working around the clock, but the need is enormous. With 8.5 lakh people affected, 70,000 animals impacted, and hundreds of families homeless, Bihar needs all the help it can get .
This is not just another news story. This is the story of a city submerged, of families displaced, and of a river that has once again reminded us of its unforgiving power.
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