Patna: Patna remained on high alert on Friday as rising water levels in the Ganga and Punpun triggered flooding in vulnerable areas, while increased discharge from the Sone added to concerns across the state capital.The volume of water flowing through the Sone rose to 5.18 lakh cusecs by Friday afternoon, contributing to a further rise in the Ganga. The situation has revived memories of the devastating 1975 flood among older residents, although protective embankments and flood-protection structures have since strengthened Patna’s defences.In Danapur diara, around 50 flood-affected families have taken shelter at Baldeva High School after three to four feet of water entered their homes. Nearly 100 cattle have also been brought to the relief camp.Flood victim Shambhu Rai said, “For three days, floodwater has been accumulated in the village. Three to four feet of water has entered our house. On Friday, we had to hire a boat and cross the Ganga with our entire family and cattle to reach the relief camp. Since a govt boat was not available, we had to hire a private boat.”SDO Virupaksha Vikram Singh, DCLR Praveen Chandan and CO Dilip Kumar Gupta inspected the camp on Friday. Officials said a community kitchen, medical teams, clean toilets and other basic facilities had been arranged.In Patna City, floodwater has reached roads near Bhadra Ghat, Mahavir Ghat and Kangan Ghat, entering houses in some areas and affecting around 1,000 households. Roads leading to the ghats have been barricaded and magistrates deployed to keep people away from the fast-flowing river.The rising Punpun has also inundated several villages under Gaurichak police station and disrupted road connectivity. In Daniyawan, strong currents in the Mahtvayin River caused an embankment breach, inundating nearby villages and agricultural land. Farmers fear major losses to paddy crops and have demanded immediate repairs and compensation.Authorities are continuing relief, rescue and monitoring operations as the flood threat persists across Patna and adjoining areas.
