The rising Ganga has placed eight Bihar districts on high alert, with low-lying communities facing a growing flood threat. Authorities are preparing shelters, supplies and rescue teams as the opposition questions the government’s relief arrangements.

Bihar has been placed on high alert as the rapidly rising Ganga threatens low-lying communities across eight districts. Authorities have intensified preparations amid fears that the river could cross its Highest Flood Level at key monitoring points in Patna and Mokama.

Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad are currently under heightened surveillance. Officials have been instructed to warn residents in vulnerable locations and prepare shelters, food, drinking water, medical support and evacuation facilities.

The state administration has directed district officials to immediately inform people living near riverbanks, embankments and low-lying areas about the increasing water level. Local elected representatives, public announcement systems, news outlets and social media platforms will be used to circulate safety information.

The situation is particularly concerning in Patna, where the Ganga reached approximately 50.25 metres at Gandhi Ghat by noon on Thursday. The level was around 1.65 metres above the danger mark and was forecast to cross the location’s Highest Flood Level on Thursday night.

At Hathidah in Mokama, officials anticipated that the river could cross its Highest Flood Level on Friday afternoon. Water Resources Department teams have been ordered to continuously monitor vulnerable embankments and respond quickly to any sign of damage or erosion.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected the Ganga riverfront and reviewed the condition of embankments and preparations in flood-prone areas. He directed officials to complete all precautionary arrangements without delay and remain ready for a possible deterioration in conditions.

Safe shelters, community facilities, drinking water, food, medicines and other essential supplies are being prepared. Residents of highly vulnerable areas may be shifted to safer locations if water levels continue to rise.

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force are expected to support evacuation and rescue operations when required. The Chief Minister is also scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of flood-affected areas at 1 PM on Friday, followed by a high-level preparedness review at 2 PM.

Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticised the NDA government’s handling of the situation, alleging that relief, rescue and public-awareness arrangements were inadequate. He claimed that more than 15 districts were affected and that several rivers, including the Ganga, Son, Punpun, Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi, were flowing above danger levels.

Yadav said flooding and erosion had damaged maize and vegetable crops in diara areas and that water had entered homes, roads, schools and agricultural fields. He also alleged that electricity disruptions had caused drinking-water problems and that several villages had lost contact with block headquarters.

He demanded that diara regions be officially declared flood-affected and claimed that some relief camps, community kitchens and medical centres lacked basic facilities. These statements represent allegations made by the opposition amid the developing flood situation.

The Disaster Management Department has advised people to avoid unnecessary visits to rivers, ghats, embankments and waterlogged locations. Residents have also been warned against swimming, bathing, non-essential boat journeys and taking selfies near swollen rivers.

Children, older adults and people with disabilities should be kept away from riverbanks and flooded areas. Families in vulnerable locations should follow official announcements and remain prepared to move to designated shelters if evacuation orders are issued.

With river levels continuing to rise, the coming hours remain critical for Patna and surrounding districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the Ganga, strengthening emergency arrangements and preparing to protect residents if more areas are inundated.