Patna: Floods have affected around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts of Bihar as several rivers continued to rise following heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring Nepal.

The Ganga crossed its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Saturday morning, with the water level rising 10 cm in four hours to reach 50.53 metres at 10 am, according to the Water Resources Department.

The level was 1 cm above the highest flood level (HFL) of 50.52 metres recorded on August 21, 2016.

The department forecast that the Ganga could rise further to 50.62 metres at Gandhi Ghat by 8 am on Sunday and advised people to remain cautious, particularly those living in low-lying and river-facing areas.

At Pandarak in Patna, the Ganga had also crossed its previous HFL. The water level stood at 43.78 metres at 10 am on Saturday, against the earlier HFL of 43.73 metres recorded on August 16, 2021.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed ministers and senior officials to visit flood-hit areas and closely oversee relief and rescue operations.

Senior officials have been asked to camp in affected areas and ensure that relief measures are carried out effectively as water levels continue to rise.

The Patna Municipal Corporation, district administration and Water Resources Department have also been directed to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautionary measures.

Several rivers were flowing above the danger mark at various locations, including the Gandak at Dumriaghat and Hajipur, the Kosi at Baltara, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, the Ganga at Digha, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger, the Punpun at Sripalpur and the Ghaghara at Darauli.

"Due to the rise in water levels of several rivers, around 10.26 lakh people in 50 blocks covering 201 gram panchayats across 11 districts have been affected by the floods," the state Disaster Management Department said in a bulletin.

The affected districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar and Araria.

District magistrates and superintendents of police have been instructed to take precautionary measures, alert people living along the river-facing sides of embankments and ensure continuous patrolling by special teams to respond to flood emergencies.

Bihar has received 60.8 mm of rainfall so far in September, 69 per cent above the normal level for the period, the department said.

The rising water levels have also been attributed to heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nepal.

Authorities have stepped up relief operations in the affected districts. As many as 38 community kitchens are currently operating to provide food to flood-hit residents.

Around 12,300 polythene sheets and 2,250 dry-ration packets have been distributed so far, while 858 boats are being used to facilitate evacuation and the movement of people.

Twenty-seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) groups have also been deployed in the affected areas.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Choudhary were monitoring the situation and assured that efforts were being made to minimise the difficulties faced by people.

"The chief minister is monitoring the situation. The government is fully aware of the fact. All of us are making efforts to ensure that people face the least possible difficulties during this disaster."

Nabin said the Centre was also keeping a close watch on the situation.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also monitoring the situation at the Centre. Particularly in matters concerning disasters, the government should stand firmly with the people. These conditions have been persisting following the disaster in Nepal and continued rainfall."

The authorities have urged residents to remain alert as the Ganga and other rivers are expected to maintain their rising trend.