Ganges crosses danger mark in Patna as flooding hits 13 Bihar districts

According to Indian media on Thursday, the Ganges River rose above the danger mark in several places in Patna, and 13 districts in Bihar experienced flooding.

The Ganges was flowing above danger levels at Digha, Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in the Patna area and Kahalgaon in neighbouring Bhagalpur district, the Central Water Commission said.

Other major rivers including Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi, Burhi Gandak and Punpun were also flowing above danger levels at several places, raising the threat of more floods in the low-lying areas.

Bihar disaster management authorities have deputed 27 State Disaster Response Force teams and nine National Disaster Response Force teams in vulnerable districts. A total of 286 boats are operational in the 13 affected districts to help residents in the flood-affected areas.

Heavy rain and surging rivers in Bihar and neighbouring Nepal triggered the flooding. Several low-lying communities have been affected and evacuations and relief operations are underway in vulnerable areas.

As more rain could worsen the situation, authorities are still monitoring river levels and embankments.

The Ganges runs through heavily populated parts of Bihar and higher water levels can put homes, roads, farmland and other infrastructure along its banks at risk.