Bihar Flood Crisis Deepens as Gandak Breaches Embankments; IAF Joins Relief Efforts

Fresh breaches in Saran and Muzaffarpur inundate villages as CM Samrat Choudhary puts the state on high alert for next 48 hours

PATNA, October 1, 2026: The flood situation in Bihar’s northern districts deteriorated further on Thursday as the swollen Gandak River breached additional embankments in Saran and Muzaffarpur, pushing floodwaters into residential areas and disrupting road connectivity. With several river systems under severe pressure, the state government has sought assistance from the Indian Air Force for relief and rescue operations.

The crisis has affected large parts of the Gandak basin, particularly West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali. More than 200 villages have reportedly been affected as river levels remain exceptionally high.

Two fresh embankment breaches reported

In Saran district, the right Saran embankment near Sarouja-Bhagwanpur in Panapur block gave way under pressure from the Gandak, allowing floodwater to spread into nearby villages.

Another breach was reported in the ring embankment near Chharki village in Madhopur Hazari panchayat of Sahebganj block, Muzaffarpur. Reports said the breach extended for around 70 metres, with water entering hundreds of houses in the affected panchayat.

The latest incidents have added to a series of breaches reported across the Gandak basin during the past several days.

According to reports, the Gandak has been flowing above its previous highest flood level at several locations, placing considerable pressure on embankments and other flood-protection structures.

IAF brought in for relief operations

With the situation worsening, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary sought Indian Air Force assistance for helicopter-based rescue and relief operations in the affected Gandak-basin districts.

An Air Force helicopter operating from Gorakhpur was reported to have been used to distribute relief material in Panapur, Saran, as authorities intensified efforts to reach flood-hit communities.

The Chief Minister has directed district administrations and engineers to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure that people stranded by floodwaters receive relief and, where required, evacuation assistance.

Road connectivity severely affected

Floodwaters have disrupted transportation across several parts of north Bihar.

The Chapra-Muzaffarpur route has been affected, with movement of heavy vehicles restricted. Water has also disrupted traffic on the Chapra-Sattarghat road, while the Hajipur-Araeraj State Highway has reported substantial waterlogging.

Other routes, including the Parsa-Maker road and the Gopalganj-Ram Janaki road, have also been affected by rising floodwaters.

The Muzaffarpur-Chapra National Highway has also witnessed flooding at multiple points, according to reports.

Ganga adds to pressure in Patna

The rising Ganga has further complicated the flood situation.

At Gandhi Ghat in Patna, the river was flowing above the danger mark, while rising levels downstream were also contributing to pressure on the Gandak system. Reports indicate that the Ganga was more than a metre above the danger level at Gandhi Ghat on Thursday.

The situation has also prompted close monitoring of other river systems, including the Son, Bagmati and Kosi, with several low-lying areas across the state facing inundation.

CM calls next 48 hours critical

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected the rising Ganga at J.P. Ganga Path in Patna on Thursday and reviewed the situation with senior officials.

He said the next 48 hours would be particularly important and directed the administration to remain fully alert.

The Chief Minister said the Ganga and Gandak had reached exceptionally high levels, while the Son was also carrying substantial volumes of water. He instructed officials to intensify monitoring and give priority to the safety of people living in vulnerable areas.

Choudhary was accompanied during the inspection by his secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma and other senior officials.

Relief operations expanded across affected districts

State authorities and Water Resources Department teams are continuing round-the-clock operations at vulnerable embankment locations.

Officials and engineers have been deployed across the affected districts to deal with breaches, seepage and rising water pressure. Earlier this week, the Chief Minister also conducted an aerial assessment of flood-hit areas and visited a relief camp where arrangements for food, drinking water, medical assistance, sanitation and livestock care were reviewed.

With river levels remaining high and fresh breaches being reported, authorities are maintaining heightened surveillance across the flood-prone belt while expanding relief and rescue measures.

(SDNA)