Heavy monsoon rain continues to lash Bihar, causing severe flooding across multiple districts. Rising waters in the Ganga and nine other rivers have left seven districts resembling isolated islands. The disaster has already claimed at least 11 lives, with thousands more affected as homes, schools, and roads remain submerged.

Continuous rainfall over the past several days has worsened conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that intense showers are set to continue in many parts of the state until mid-August, especially in northern and northeastern regions.

Monsoon Activity Intensifies Across Bihar

The monsoon remains highly active across Bihar, bringing relentless rainfall to almost every district. In addition to the Ganga, several rivers including the Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati are flowing above danger levels. Patna, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and four other districts are facing extreme flooding.

The situation is particularly severe in Nawgachhia, where nearly 70 percent of a protective ring embankment, constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore, has collapsed under the pressure of floodwaters. This has increased the risk of water entering nearby villages, threatening lives and property.

In Patna district alone, 24 panchayats across seven blocks are flooded. Begusarai has closed more than 137 schools until 14 August due to safety concerns. Bhagalpur, Buxar, and several northeastern districts are also facing worsening conditions.

IMD Issues Multiple Alerts

The IMD has sounded a high-risk warning for all districts in north Bihar today. Forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rain in Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Purnia. Districts such as Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, East Champaran, and West Champaran are expected to see heavy showers accompanied by strong winds.

An orange alert has been issued for all north Bihar districts, while a yellow alert is in place for Patna and 19 districts in southern Bihar. Rainfall is expected to be particularly intense in Himalayan foothill districts and northeastern parts of the state until 14 August.

Rainfall Still Below Average Despite Downpour

Despite the recent heavy showers, Bihar has received 25 percent less rainfall than average for this time of year. Normally, the state records around 590.4 millimeters by now, but this year the total so far is only 444.7 millimeters. In eight districts of north Bihar, the rainfall deficit is as high as 50 percent.

The Patna Meteorological Centre states that a monsoon trough currently runs through Darbhanga. Multiple active weather systems are contributing to heavy rainfall in the region. Conditions are expected to improve after 14 August, with reduced rainfall activity and a gradual fall in river levels.

Ganga and Nine Other Rivers Overflowing

Ten rivers in Bihar, including the Ganga, are flowing above danger marks, inundating nearby areas. In Bhagalpur city, floodwater has entered residential and commercial zones. In Sultanganj, the Ganga has reached road level, forcing people to use tractors to transport essential supplies. Entry to the Namami Gange ghat has been restricted due to safety concerns.

In Begusarai, flood conditions have led authorities to close schools and Anganwadi centers in eight affected blocks until 14 August.

Embankment Failure Raises Concerns

The collapse of the ring embankment in Gopalpur block of Nawgachhia is a major setback for flood protection measures in the region. Constructed to safeguard low-lying villages from monsoon flooding, the embankment could not withstand the current water pressure. Officials from the district administration have reached the site to assess the damage and take emergency measures.

Sheohar Records Highest Rainfall

On Sunday, Sheohar district recorded the highest rainfall in Bihar. Despite such heavy showers, the state’s cumulative rainfall remains 25 percent lower than normal. Average rainfall at this stage is 590 millimeters, but actual recorded rainfall stands at 444 millimeters.

Weather in Patna and Surrounding Areas

In the state capital, cloudy skies prevailed since Tuesday morning. Light showers were reported in the afternoon, accompanied by wind speeds of 25 to 30 kilometers per hour. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall in Patna over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy showers possible in surrounding districts.

Maximum temperature in Patna is expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, with the minimum near 26 degrees. On Monday, Chhapra recorded the highest temperature in the state at 34.1 degrees Celsius.

Rising Risk for Rural and Urban Communities

Flooding has affected both rural villages and urban centers in Bihar. In many areas, agricultural fields are submerged, damaging standing crops and threatening food supply chains. In cities like Bhagalpur and Patna, road connectivity has been severely disrupted, complicating relief efforts.

Local authorities are working to provide food, water, and shelter to displaced families. However, access to some flood-hit regions remains challenging due to strong currents and damaged infrastructure.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

State disaster management teams have been deployed to the worst-affected areas. In some districts, boats are being used to evacuate residents from marooned villages. Relief camps have been set up to provide temporary shelter to those who have lost their homes.

The government has urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations. Continuous monitoring of river levels is being carried out to anticipate further breaches or embankment failures.

Economic and Social Impact of the Flood

The economic cost of the flood is already substantial. Damage to embankments, such as the one in Nawgachhia, represents a loss of crores of rupees. Farmers face heavy losses as fields remain underwater, while small businesses in submerged urban areas struggle to operate.

Schools and educational centers remain shut in several districts, disrupting learning for thousands of students. With heavy rain predicted to continue, there is growing concern over prolonged displacement and economic instability in flood-hit regions.

Outlook for the Coming Days

Meteorologists predict that rain intensity will gradually reduce after 14 August. Until then, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. The Ganga and other rivers are expected to remain at high levels for several days even after the rains ease.

Long-term forecasts indicate that the monsoon will continue to impact Bihar through September, though rainfall patterns may become less severe. Recovery from the current flooding, however, could take weeks, especially in districts where infrastructure damage is extensive.