Bihar Floods 2025: Half of the State Submerged

Bihar is facing one of the most severe flood situations in recent years. Continuous heavy rainfall and rising river levels have submerged large parts of the state. Reports from ground zero reveal that nearly half of Bihar is waterlogged, with villages turning into islands and roads turning into rivers. Families have abandoned homes, taking shelter on railway tracks and temporary camps.

The disaster has hit districts like Munger, Bhagalpur, and Katihar the hardest. Thousands are homeless, transport networks are paralyzed, and life has come to a standstill. The administration is struggling to provide relief, while residents wait desperately for the water to recede.

Bihar Submerged: Villages Underwater and Roads Converted to Rivers

Large areas of Bihar are reeling under floodwaters. Villages have been completely submerged, forcing residents to leave their homes. In Munger and Bhagalpur, many families have shifted to railway tracks and temporary shelters to survive.

In several places, the only mode of transport left is boats. Roads, once bustling with traffic, now resemble rivers. Relief operations have begun, but thousands of people continue to remain stranded.

Katihar Ground Report: Life in a Drowning Village

In Katihar district, particularly in Kursela Nagar Panchayat’s Baghmara village, the flood situation remains grim. Local reporters on the ground highlight that water levels in the main streets have risen up to 3.5 feet.

Residents describe how the Ganga and Kosi rivers meet near this area, creating a flood-prone zone. When water levels rise, this village is the first to submerge. People’s homes are filled with three to four feet of water, forcing them to use boats for movement.

Though water levels have slightly reduced in recent days, locals fear it will take nearly three months for the water to fully recede.

Munger’s Struggle: Families Living on Railway Tracks

In Munger district, the situation is worse. Villages in Bariyarpur block, including Nirpur Panchayat, are entirely surrounded by floodwaters. Homes, huts, and farmlands are underwater, leaving people with no safe shelter.

Families have shifted near railway tracks, building temporary huts with polythene sheets distributed by the government. However, these makeshift shelters are unsafe, with trains passing close by. Despite the danger, families have no other option but to survive in these harsh conditions.

Officials say it may take up to two months for the water to drain from these areas. Until then, displaced families will continue living in unsafe conditions near railway lines.

Bhagalpur Flood Situation: Daily Struggles of Residents

Bhagalpur, another flood-affected district, is facing massive disruption. Several low-lying areas are submerged, cutting off villages from essential services. Residents are struggling to access food, clean drinking water, and medical supplies.

The district administration has provided a few boats for rescue and relief. However, with thousands stranded, the resources are insufficient. Schools have been turned into relief camps, and temporary shelters are being constructed. The health department fears the outbreak of waterborne diseases as people are forced to live in overcrowded shelters.

Daily Life in Flood-Affected Bihar

Life in flood-hit Bihar has been reduced to survival. Boats are now the primary means of transport. Children are seen using makeshift rafts to move around. Markets are shut, and schools remain closed indefinitely.

Families are dependent on government-distributed rations, but many claim they have not received enough aid. With homes submerged, people are unable to cook, forcing them to rely on dry rations and community kitchens.

The lack of clean drinking water has worsened the crisis. Many villagers are drinking floodwater, raising fears of a health disaster. Doctors warn that diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and malaria could spread rapidly if preventive measures are not taken.

Voices from the Ground: Locals Share Their Plight

Residents of Baghmara, Nirpur, and nearby villages narrate stories of helplessness. A local leader from Kursela Nagar Panchayat explained that three feet of water has entered every home. He added that although water levels have dropped slightly, it may take weeks for the situation to improve.

Another family in Munger’s Nirpur Panchayat said they have been living on the railway track for five days. Their home is submerged, and all belongings have been destroyed. The polythene sheet provided by authorities is their only roof.

Government Response and Relief Measures

The Bihar government has deployed disaster management teams across flood-affected districts. Boats have been provided for rescue, and food packets are being distributed. Relief camps have been set up in schools and community centers.

Authorities claim that over 50,000 people have been evacuated to safer places. However, locals allege that the relief is inadequate and slow. Many families complain they have not received food or drinking water for days.

Officials from the water resources department said that the Ganga’s water level has started to decline slightly. This has provided some relief, but the receding process is slow. They estimate that normalcy will not return for at least two months.

Railway Tracks Turn into Refugee Camps

One of the most striking images of the Bihar floods is the sight of families living along railway tracks. With no dry land available, thousands of displaced families have pitched temporary shelters on tracks.

Children are seen playing dangerously close to running trains. Families cook meals beside the tracks using makeshift stoves. The conditions are unsafe, but people have no choice. Their villages are still underwater, and returning home is impossible.

Economic Impact of Bihar Floods 2025

The floods have caused extensive damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure. Paddy fields, ready for harvest, are now submerged, leading to heavy losses for farmers. Livestock deaths have been reported in several areas, further deepening the economic crisis for rural households.

Small businesses have shut down, transport is disrupted, and supply chains are broken. Economists fear that the floods may push thousands of families into poverty. The state government is preparing a relief package, but experts say long-term rehabilitation will require significant central assistance.

Bihar’s Flood Crisis: A Recurring Disaster

Floods are not new to Bihar. Every year, heavy rainfall and swollen rivers bring devastation to the state. The confluence of rivers like Ganga, Kosi, and Gandak makes large areas flood-prone. Despite repeated disasters, long-term solutions remain elusive.

Experts suggest better embankment management, improved drainage systems, and relocation of vulnerable communities. However, implementation of these measures has been slow. As a result, the cycle of devastation repeats every monsoon, leaving millions affected.

Health Concerns and Humanitarian Crisis

The immediate concern is preventing a health crisis. With stagnant water everywhere, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is rising. Lack of clean drinking water may lead to outbreaks of cholera and diarrhea.

The health department has sent mobile medical teams to affected districts. Doctors are distributing medicines and chlorine tablets. But with thousands displaced, the challenge is massive. Aid agencies have also warned of mental health issues among flood victims who have lost homes and livelihoods.

Looking Ahead: The Long Road to Recovery

Experts believe it may take months for Bihar to recover from this disaster. Even after the water recedes, families will have to rebuild homes and restore farmlands. Many fear that government compensation will not be enough.

The floods of 2025 have once again highlighted Bihar’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Unless long-term flood management policies are implemented, the cycle of destruction is likely to continue every monsoon.

The Bihar floods of 2025 have submerged half the state, displacing thousands and devastating entire communities. From Katihar to Munger and Bhagalpur, stories of survival and struggle reflect the grim reality on the ground.

As the Ganga slowly retreats, people wait for normal life to return. But for thousands who lost their homes and livelihoods, recovery will take much longer. Bihar once again stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of rebuilding lives while preparing for an uncertain future.