KKN Gurugram Desk | In a sudden turn of events, flash floods have swept through the Phalgu River in Bihar, causing chaos and panic in several areas of the state. On Thursday morning, heavy rainfall from the past two days triggered the river’s sudden rise, trapping 10 people who were asleep under the New Four-Lane Bridge near Pachandev Dham Ghat in Mufassil police station area. Thankfully, due to the quick response from locals, swimmers, and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams, the individuals were rescued safely from the floodwaters.

The Incident: How the Flood Caught People Off-Guard

Bihar recently experienced the arrival of the monsoon, bringing with it intense rainfall that caused rivers to swell. In the Gaya district, continuous downpours over the last 48 hours led to flooding of the Phalgu River. On the morning of June 19, a rapid increase in water levels caused the Phalgu River to overflow, trapping 12 people under the Manpur Bridge.

The flooding escalated when the waters near the Pachandev Dham Ghat submerged the area, flooding the New Four-Lane Bridge. In a matter of minutes, the water rose to dangerous levels, and the group of homeless individuals who had taken refuge beneath the bridge were unable to escape. Their desperate cries for help alerted nearby locals, who quickly mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts.

How Locals and Rescue Teams Reacted Swiftly

Upon hearing the distress calls, local residents rushed to the scene and immediately began organizing a rescue operation. Local swimmers were contacted and arrived quickly to help pull the stranded people out of the rising waters. Additionally, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was notified, and their team arrived with a boat to assist in the rescue.

The situation was critical, but due to the combined efforts of the community and the rescue teams, all 12 individuals trapped under the bridge were successfully rescued. While human lives were saved, three goats and some personal belongings of the homeless individuals were lost in the fast-moving waters of the river.

Santosh Kumar, a local youth who was one of the first responders, shared, “I received a phone call about people being trapped in the Phalgu River. I quickly gathered a few swimmers, and we rushed to the spot. Some of the trapped people were rescued by swimming, and others were pulled out using ropes. I’m proud that we were able to save all 12 people.”

Local residents have expressed their gratitude to the brave youth swimmers and have demanded that they be honored for their heroic efforts in saving the lives of these 12 individuals.

The Homeless People: A Struggle for Survival

The victims who were caught in the flood were identified as nomadic homeless individuals, who rely on selling small items or begging for their livelihood. These families often live in groups and set up temporary shelters at different locations. As the heat of the day subsides, they often take shelter under bridges to rest during the night, using makeshift homes to protect themselves from the elements.

It was during this routine that the group of homeless people sought refuge under the Manpur Four-Lane Bridge on the night of June 18. After two days of relentless rain, the Phalgu River swelled and caused a sudden flash flood in the early morning hours of June 19, catching the individuals completely off guard.

As the floodwaters surged rapidly, the homeless group was unable to escape in time. Fortunately, locals in the area, who were aware of the typical location of the nomadic communities, reacted swiftly, aiding in the rescue operation. Some victims were rescued by swimming, while others were helped using ropes thrown from above.

Community Support and Rescue Efforts

The incident highlighted the importance of community support and quick action during emergencies. Thanks to the swift intervention of local youth, who acted as first responders, and the organized efforts of the SDRF, all the trapped individuals were rescued from the rising floodwaters. However, the loss of the goats and personal belongings was a tragic consequence of the flood.

Local villagers have called for further assistance for the homeless individuals, who frequently face such challenges during monsoon season. The nomadic communities often face neglect during natural calamities, with their shelters and belongings being washed away in floods.

Climate Change and Flooding in Bihar: A Growing Concern

The growing frequency of flash floods and heavy rainfall in Bihar underscores the need for more robust disaster management systems and awareness in flood-prone areas. While the Phalgu River flooding may be a natural occurrence, the intensity of the rainfall and the rapid rise in water levels point to the broader impact of climate change and urbanization on the state’s flood management infrastructure.

Bihar has always been vulnerable to flooding due to its geographic location, with many rivers, including the Phalgu, crossing the state and swelling during the monsoon season. However, this incident serves as a reminder of how communities living in vulnerable areas need early warning systems, adequate shelters, and training in disaster response to mitigate the risks posed by floods.

Government Response and Infrastructure Needs

In light of the rising threats of flooding, there is a growing demand for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in Bihar. Flood-resilient structures, proper drainage systems, and effective evacuation plans are critical to safeguarding vulnerable communities.

The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is expected to take note of such incidents to bolster flood relief efforts and create long-term solutions for the people affected by the annual floods. Immediate steps, such as flood barriers, better river embankments, and community-based flood warning systems, can help reduce the impact of such disasters.

The sudden rise of the Phalgu River flood in Bihar on June 19, 2025, and the successful rescue of 10 people under the Manpur Bridge reflect the resilience of local communities and their ability to act in the face of danger. Despite the loss of belongings, the most important aspect of this incident was the saving of lives—thanks to the swift intervention of locals, youth swimmers, and SDRF rescue teams.

As Bihar faces an increasingly unpredictable climate, it becomes evident that the state must continue to enhance its disaster management systems and flood resilience infrastructure. This incident also brings attention to the pressing need to protect vulnerable communities and provide them with necessary support during times of natural disasters.