The Ganga River surged past its highest flood mark at Patna’s Gandhi Ghat on Saturday morning, sending alarm through the state capital as water submerged roads and threatened low-lying neighborhoods. Officials warned residents to exercise extreme caution, with forecasts indicating the waters will climb even higher by Sunday.

Key facts

  • Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat reached 50.53 cm at 10 a.m. on September 5, 2026—1 cm above the highest flood level.
  • Water rose 10 cm in just four hours, highlighting the rapid pace of the surge.
  • Forecast predicts levels will hit 50.62 cm by 8 a.m. on September 6.

Rising Waters and Immediate Risks

Heavy rains in Bihar and neighboring Nepal have pushed multiple rivers, including the Ganga, Gandak, and Kosi, above danger marks. At Gandhi Ghat, the situation turned critical as the river breached its previous record, swallowing roads and inching closer to residential areas. The Water Resources Department’s bulletin spelled out the urgency: every centimeter now counts.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary took to the skies on Friday, surveying the flood-ravaged regions from above. He directed officials to identify affected families, accelerate relief distribution, and keep a sharp eye on embankments along the Ganga from Buxar to Bhagalpur. The goal: prevent erosion and breaches that could worsen the crisis.

“The forecast is that the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat is likely to rise further to 50.62 cm by 8 a.m. on Sunday. People have been advised to exercise caution.”

Broader Impact Across Bihar

This isn’t just a Patna problem. Several districts are grappling with flood-like conditions as rivers swell across the state. The Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Punpun, and Ghaghra are all flowing above danger levels, compounding the challenge for disaster management teams. With rain still falling, the hours ahead remain critical.