Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is grappling with severe flooding following continuous heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours. Several parts of the city are submerged under water, bringing daily life to a near standstill. The downpour, which began late Monday night, intensified on Tuesday, leading to waterlogging in both residential and commercial areas.
Low-lying localities such as Rajendra Nagar, Kankarbagh, Gardanibagh, and Patliputra have been the worst affected. In these areas, roads have turned into streams, making it nearly impossible for vehicles and pedestrians to move. Many homes are flooded, forcing residents to either stay indoors or evacuate to safer places. Water levels have entered ground floors of numerous buildings, damaging household items and appliances.
The municipal drainage system has failed to cope with the volume of rainwater, further aggravating the situation. Power cuts have been reported in several parts of the city to prevent electrical accidents. Mobile networks and internet services are also experiencing disruptions, leaving people disconnected in a time of crisis.
Public transportation, including city buses and auto-rickshaws, has largely come to a halt. Railway services have been delayed or canceled as tracks remain submerged in some areas. Schools, colleges, and private offices have announced closures for safety reasons. Many businesses have suffered losses due to the inaccessibility of shops and workspaces.
The Bihar Disaster Management Department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have deployed teams to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Boats are being used in severely affected zones to help stranded residents. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community halls to accommodate displaced families.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has held an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the flood situation and coordinate relief measures. He has directed the administration to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, and medical aid in the relief camps. Additionally, a 24-hour helpline has been launched for citizens in distress.
Meteorological reports suggest that heavy rainfall is likely to continue in parts of Bihar over the next 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Patna and surrounding districts, advising people to remain indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Environmental experts have linked the worsening flood situation in urban centers like Patna to rapid urbanization, poor drainage planning, and lack of sustainable infrastructure. Civic bodies are under pressure to take long-term measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the city continues to battle with rising water levels, citizens are urged to cooperate with authorities and stay informed through official channels. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the extent of damage and recovery time will become clearer only after the rains subside.
