Gandak River Flood Situation in Bihar: Breach, Impact and Relief (September 2026)

Breach and inundation

On the night of September 28, 2026 the Gandak river breached its ring bund near Sareya Pandet Tola in West Champaran, sending floodwater 3 to 5 feet deep into over a dozen villages of East Champaran [2]. Low‑lying areas of Nawada, Mashrauliya and Sareya panchayats were inundated with water 3 to 5 feet deep, submerging paddy crops and entering more than 100 houses [2].

Water levels and discharge

At Dumariya Ghat the river was recorded 1.5 metres above the danger mark, with warnings it could rise another 50 cm during the night [1]. The Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar measured a peak discharge of 543,500 cusecs at 4 am on September 28 [1].

Human and agricultural impact

Paddy fields were completely submerged and water entered homes, forcing residents to seek shelter on rooftops or move to safer places [2]. Schools and anganwadi centres were closed, while people used boats for commuting [2]. Shortages of drinking water and fodder for livestock were reported [2].

Relief and rescue operations

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of flood‑affected districts including Vaishali, Saran, East Champaran and Gopalganj on September 28 and directed officials to intensify relief and rescue efforts [1]. A total of 173 boats were deployed for evacuation and 13 community kitchens provided meals to about 17,466 people in East Champaran and Supaul districts [1]. SDRF, NDRF teams and local divers were sent to plug the breach and assist residents [1].

Cause: heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall in Nepal and adjoining Bihar districts over the previous three to four days drove the Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and other rivers above danger marks [1]. According to the Water Resources Department, around 50.49 lakh people across 88 blocks in 15 districts were affected [1].

Verification and outlook

Officials continue to monitor embankments and conduct night patrols, while the Water Resources Department notes that the peak discharge has shown a falling trend after 7 am on September 28 [1]. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are advised to follow updates from local authorities and avoid travel through inundated areas [2].