Heavy rain has intensified flood conditions across several parts of India, with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha facing rising water levels and inundation. Himachal Pradesh is dealing with widespread road closures after landslides, while alerts remain in place for parts of Punjab, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
In Patna, the Ganga is flowing about 2 feet above the danger mark. Flooding has affected 13 districts in Bihar, where the water level of 8 rivers has also risen. Intermittent rain has continued across several districts for the past 2 days, and the weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in 12 districts.
Varanasi faces rising water
Uttar Pradesh is reporting flood-like conditions in 23 districts after persistent rain caused rivers to swell. More than 16 thousand people have been rescued so far, while water from the Ganga and Varuna rivers has entered homes in parts of Varanasi.
In Kashi, 407 families living near the Varuna have moved to safer places and 2,910 people have been displaced. The administration has deployed 36 boats for relief and rescue operations. All 84 ghats are submerged, and boats are operating on some roads. Cremation has shifted to the roof at Manikarnika Ghat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Varanasi district magistrate and mayor about the flood situation. Schools in 8 Uttar Pradesh districts, including Ballia and Varanasi, are closed on 3 September because of rain and poor weather. A rain alert has been issued for 67 districts, with heavy rain warnings for 15 districts, including Mathura and Agra.
Odisha river level begins to fall
Floodwater has affected 373 villages in northern Odisha, with relief camps and rescue teams being used for affected residents. In Balasore district, the Suvarnarekha river has crossed its danger level across 214 villages in the Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, Remuna and Jaleswar blocks.
At Rajghat, the river level was 10.84 metres by afternoon, above the danger mark of 10.36 metres. The level is now declining, indicating gradual improvement in the river’s condition, although flooding remains a concern in the affected blocks.
Rain and landslides disrupt other states
In Himachal Pradesh, intense rain on Wednesday night triggered landslides in several areas. More than 175 roads have been closed, and heavy debris fell on the Kalka-Shimla 4-lane route near Parwanoo fruit market. Several vehicles remained trapped in the debris overnight.
Punjab and Chandigarh received rain in several places, bringing some relief from heat and humidity. The meteorological centre has forecast heavy rain in some areas from today until 5 September and issued a yellow alert. Chandigarh is expected to see partly cloudy skies, with rain or thundershowers possible once or twice.
Madhya Pradesh is under a heavy-rain alert in about half of the state. Narmadapuram and Chhindwara are under a red alert for extremely heavy rain, while Chhatarpur, Sagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Seoni and Betul have orange alerts. More than 4 inches of rain may fall in 24 hours in these areas.
Further forecasts
The monsoon break in Rajasthan, which had continued for about a week, ended on Wednesday. More than one inch of rain was recorded in Rupwas in Bharatpur, while parts of Jaipur, Dholpur and Karauli also received rain. Light to moderate rain is expected on Thursday in areas of the Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions.
Gopalganj in Bihar also received strong rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder on Thursday. Some areas saw continuous heavy rain for about 1.5 hours, while others experienced intermittent showers through the day.
The wide spread of alerts reflects a continuing spell of unsettled monsoon weather. Flood response is active in Varanasi and Odisha, while Bihar is monitoring rivers above danger levels and Himachal Pradesh is dealing with transport disruption caused by landslides.
Conclusion
The immediate picture is one of continuing flood and rain-related disruption across eastern, northern and central India. River levels are still high in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, while rescue operations, relief camps, weather alerts and road-clearance work remain central to the response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How high is the Ganga in Patna?
The Ganga is flowing about 2 feet above the danger mark in Patna.
Q. How many Bihar districts are affected by flooding?
Flood conditions are affecting 13 districts in Bihar.
Q. How many families have left their homes in Kashi?
A total of 407 families living near the Varuna river have moved to safer places.
Q. How many boats are being used in Varanasi?
The administration has deployed 36 boats for relief and rescue work.
Q. What is happening to the Suvarnarekha river in Odisha?
The Suvarnarekha is above its danger level near 214 villages in Balasore district, but its water level is falling.
Q. How many roads are closed in Himachal Pradesh?
More than 175 roads have been closed because of rain-triggered landslides.
Q. Which Madhya Pradesh districts have a red alert?
Narmadapuram and Chhindwara have red alerts for extremely heavy rain.
Q. When is heavy rain forecast in Punjab and Chandigarh?
Heavy rain is forecast in some areas from today until 5 September, with a yellow alert in place.
