Flood concerns in Bihar deepened on Friday, 4 September as water levels in multiple rivers continued to climb and large volumes of water were discharged from three major barrages — the Son, Kosi, and Gandak. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected districts and reviewed relief and rescue operations underway across the state.

Aerial Survey and Administration Response

Chief Minister Choudhary shared details of his aerial assessment on social media platform X, confirming he had reviewed the situation firsthand and examined the relief measures being implemented by the administration. He directed officials to act swiftly and effectively to ensure timely assistance to residents in affected areas, minimise hardship, and protect lives and property.

Son Barrage: The Primary Concern

According to data from the Water Resources Department recorded up to 2 pm on Friday, the Son Barrage at Indrapuri recorded the highest discharge among the three barrages — approximately 5.18 lakh cusecs — with the flow still showing an upward trend. Between 11 am and 2 pm, discharge at the Son Barrage rose by 43,741 cusecs over three hours. The barrage has a design discharge capacity of 14.58 lakh cusecs. The rising discharge has intensified monitoring of downstream villages and low-lying areas along the Son River.

Kosi and Gandak Barrages Remain Steady

At the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, discharge showed a marginal decline during the same period — from 2,02,310 cusecs at 11 am to 1,91,175 cusecs by 2 pm. The Water Resources Department described the Kosi trend as 'steady', though officials are maintaining close surveillance of the river's embankments given its historical sensitivity to sudden level changes.

At the Gandak Barrage in Valmikinagar, discharge held unchanged at 1,42,800 cusecs from 11 am to 2 pm, also categorised as 'steady' by the department. The Gandak Barrage has a design discharge capacity of 8.50 lakh cusecs. Flood and waterlogging conditions are already affecting areas along the Gandak, and officials are monitoring downstream zones for any sudden change.

Ground Situation and Public Advisory

With several parts of Bihar already grappling with rising river levels and flood-related disruption, the administration has stepped up monitoring — particularly in villages and low-lying zones along the Son and other rivers. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and comply with warnings issued by local authorities. The Water Resources Department noted that discharge figures are assessed on the basis of data from the preceding two hours and can change continuously, underscoring the fluid nature of the situation.

As the Son Barrage discharge continues its upward trend, the coming hours are expected to be critical for downstream communities in Bihar.