The flood situation in Bihar has taken a serious turn once again with the rising water level of the Ganga River in Bhagalpur. According to officials of the Water Resources Department, the river has been swelling continuously for the last few days, and by Saturday evening the water level touched 33.62 meters. This figure is just six centimeters below the danger mark of 33.68 meters. Within the last 24 hours, the Ganga rose by 15 centimeters, and between August 25 and August 30, the river rose nearly one meter.

Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department in Bhagalpur, Aditya Prakash, stated that the Ganga water level will continue to rise on Sunday as well. He warned that the river may cross the danger mark if the trend continues. However, he expressed hope that the level may stabilize in the next two days, after which the flood situation could slowly ease.

Villages and Low-Lying Areas Under Threat

In Sultanpur, the Ganga water level was recorded at 35.42 meters, which is 92 centimeters above the danger mark of 34.50 meters. Similarly, in Kahalgaon, the water level reached 32 meters, which is 91 centimeters above the red mark of 31.09 meters. Due to the swelling river, water has entered many low-lying areas around Bhagalpur city.

Localities such as Budhanath, Deepnagar, Manik Sarkar Ghat, Kilaghat, and areas near the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University administrative building are among the worst affected. In several places, floodwater has reached the walls of houses, creating serious inconvenience for residents trying to reach the main roads.

Water Logging and Flooded Schools

In Sabour block, riverbank erosion has remained stable over the last two days, but the rise in water level has worsened conditions in several villages. Floodwater entered houses in the low-lying regions of Prashastidih, Kodwar, Ghogha, Janidih, Bholsar, Ekchari, and Ogri under Kahalgaon. At Bholsar High School, floodwater reached four to five feet inside the premises, disrupting academic activities. Although classes were conducted until Saturday, the rising water has made normal schooling impossible.

Villagers living near the embankments of Ismailpur-Bindtoli are especially worried, as the pressure of rising Ganga water has created a dangerous situation. Officials admitted that the continuous rise in water levels over the past five days has increased pressure on embankments. Teams have been deployed for 24-hour monitoring along vulnerable sites to prevent sudden breaches.

Third Time Ganga Flooding in a Year

Residents of Shankarpur, Rattipur Bairia, Shrirampur, and Gosain Daspur under Nathnagar diara are facing waterlogged roads once again. People who had returned home after the river receded last month now fear they may not be able to return anytime soon. Flood relief camps remain crowded, and many displaced families are forced to stay in temporary shelters.

A resident named Bacchi Yadav, taking refuge in TNB Collegiate ground, said that this is the third time the Ganga has swelled this year. She expressed frustration that the water has not receded properly since the monsoon began. According to her, displaced families may have to stay in relief camps until Dussehra.

Kosi River Also Swelling

The situation is further complicated by the rising water level of the Kosi River. At Kursela on the Navgachhia border, the river level was recorded at 30.55 meters, which is 55 centimeters above the danger mark of 30 meters. The rising river has increased pressure on embankments in Navgachhia subdivision.

In Shahkund block, floodwater has begun spreading again in low-lying villages. Farmers are anxious as their already weakened crops are now at risk of being completely submerged. Paddy fields have already suffered damage in several locations, and the fear of further destruction has worsened concerns.

Impact on Daily Life and Agriculture

As floodwater continues to spread, daily life in Bhagalpur and surrounding villages has been disrupted. Many roads remain submerged, and transportation has become difficult. Shops and businesses in flooded areas are shutting early, while families in vulnerable locations are moving to safer grounds.

Agriculture has been hit hard. Much of the paddy crop in Shahkund and Navgachhia areas has been destroyed, and whatever little remains is also under threat. Farmers fear a major financial loss if the water level does not recede soon. Livestock owners are also facing difficulties, with grazing fields submerged and fodder supply affected.

Government Measures and Monitoring

Authorities have intensified their monitoring of embankments and vulnerable points. Teams of engineers and flood management staff are stationed at different sites to keep track of the situation. According to Aditya Prakash, all dams and embankments are under strict surveillance, and the department is fully active to handle any emergency.

Relief camps have been set up in affected areas to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to displaced people. However, villagers complain that the resources are inadequate considering the number of families affected. Many continue to rely on boats for movement, while others are stranded in partially submerged homes.

Fear and Uncertainty Among Residents

The repeated rise in water levels has created an atmosphere of fear across Bhagalpur. Residents are anxious about the possibility of more flooding in the coming days. Families living in flood-prone belts are packing essentials and preparing for evacuation. Schools, temples, and government buildings in higher areas are being used as temporary shelters.

For the third time this year, the Ganga has risen dangerously in Bhagalpur, making people question whether lasting solutions are possible. The constant flooding not only displaces thousands but also halts education, disrupts livelihoods, and damages crops. Many villagers feel that they may have to live in relief shelters for months, as they did during previous flood years.

The flood situation in Bhagalpur highlights the ongoing struggle with rising river levels in Bihar. With the Ganga reaching dangerously close to the red mark and the Kosi swelling above its limit, the crisis has deepened. Officials remain hopeful that water levels will stabilize within a couple of days, but until then, thousands of families remain at risk.

The cycle of floods, erosion, displacement, and agricultural damage continues to haunt Bhagalpur. Unless effective long-term flood management strategies are implemented, residents may continue to live under the recurring shadow of the Ganga and Kosi rivers.