The flood situation in Bihar remains a major concern as the Ganga and several other rivers continue to flow at high levels, putting low-lying areas at risk of inundation and disrupting normal life in several parts of the state. Authorities have intensified monitoring, rescue preparedness and relief operations in vulnerable districts as water levels remain elevated.

The Ganga has crossed critical levels at several locations, while rivers including the Gandak, Kosi, Ghaghra, Punpun and Budhi Gandak are also flowing above danger marks at multiple points. The rising water levels have increased the risk for communities living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas.

Ganga crosses critical level in Patna

The situation is particularly significant in Patna, where the Ganga recently crossed its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat. The river's water level rose sharply amid heavy rainfall, increasing the possibility of flooding in vulnerable parts of the city and surrounding areas. 

The latest developments have prompted authorities to maintain close surveillance of river levels and embankments while preparing for further escalation.

More than 10 lakh people affected

According to official bulletins cited in recent reports, around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts had been affected by the floods. The situation has also affected transportation and everyday activities in several areas. (Business Standard)

Saran is among the districts reporting significant flood-related disruption, with rising levels of the Ganga, Saryu and Gandak affecting villages and forcing residents to rely on boats in inundated areas. (The Economic Times)

NDRF, SDRF teams deployed

The Bihar government has stepped up emergency preparedness, with 33 rescue teams, including six NDRF and 27 SDRF teams, deployed in vulnerable areas. Nearly 700 government-operated boats are also being used for evacuation, transportation and relief operations. (The Indian Express)

Authorities have also been instructed to keep relief camps and community kitchens operational in affected areas so that food and other essential supplies can reach residents who are unable to leave their homes easily.

Embankments and vulnerable areas under watch

With river levels remaining high, officials are closely monitoring embankments and other vulnerable points. Ground-level assessments are being carried out in flood-affected areas to identify locations requiring immediate intervention.

The administration has also been asked to ensure that relief material reaches affected communities without delay and that rescue resources remain available in areas facing a worsening flood threat.

Railway services affected

The rising water levels have also affected railway operations in parts of Bihar. Several trains have reportedly been cancelled or diverted because of flooding and water levels at vulnerable locations. (The Indian Express)

The disruption adds to the difficulties faced by residents in flood-affected districts, particularly those dependent on rail connectivity for travel and access to essential services.

Rain and rising rivers keep authorities alert

The flood situation comes amid continued rainfall in parts of Bihar and neighbouring regions. The India Meteorological Department's latest forecast has also indicated the possibility of heavy rainfall in Bihar, making continued monitoring necessary. (The Economic Times)

For residents in low-lying and riverbank areas, authorities have urged continued vigilance and adherence to local advisories. With several major rivers still running at elevated levels, the immediate focus remains on preventing loss of life, ensuring evacuation where necessary and maintaining uninterrupted delivery of food, water and other essential supplies.

The administration is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as river levels and rainfall patterns evolve over the coming days.

Despite the current slowdown, meteorologists remain optimistic that conditions could become favorable for the monsoon to advance again within the next 4–5 days, with progress likely resuming between June 21 and June 23.

Third Consecutive Year of June Slowdown

The western branch of the monsoon has faced interruptions in recent years as well. In 2024, its advance slowed for about 8–9 days during the second week of June. In 2025, it remained nearly stationary along the Maharashtra coast for almost three weeks.

Weather experts note that such pauses do not necessarily indicate a weak monsoon season. Instead, rainfall often becomes concentrated into fewer days, resulting in more intense downpours when weather systems become active.

Why Has the Monsoon Stalled?

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown primarily to the delayed activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a crucial weather system that normally shifts northward by mid-June and helps draw moisture-laden winds toward India.

Satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggest that El Niño conditions are beginning to develop, which can lead to prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution across the country.

While thunderstorm activity remains active over eastern India, cloud cover has been relatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of western India, slowing the monsoon's progress.

Monsoon Progress So Far

After arriving in Kerala on June 4, the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly through 19 states within 14 days. However, it has remained stalled near Bhadrachalam in Telangana for the past week.

As a result, monsoon rains have been delayed in several regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of central India, where farmers are eagerly awaiting widespread rainfall for sowing activities.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Continues

Even as the monsoon remains stalled, pre-monsoon showers have been reported in several states, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Bihar on Wednesday, while strong winds caused localized damage in Rajasthan, including uprooted trees and collapsed structures in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Heatwave Conditions Persist

The delayed monsoon has allowed heatwave conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several cities across:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Odisha
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 45°C in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Rainfall Forecast

June 19

• Rain likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Heavy rainfall expected in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

June 20

• Heavy rain expected in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Thunderstorms with strong winds likely in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rainfall activity may continue in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

When Will the Monsoon Advance Again?

According to IMD, the current pause is linked to upper-atmospheric jet stream patterns, which are influencing the movement of monsoon clouds. Once these fast-moving winds weaken, monsoon currents are expected to strengthen and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining regions.

Weather experts expect the next significant phase of monsoon advancement to begin by the third week of June, bringing relief from intense heat and improving conditions for agriculture across much of India.