Patna, September 6: More than 22 lakh people across 12 districts of Bihar have been affected by severe flooding following heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring Jharkhand, officials said on Sunday. Authorities have stepped up preparedness measures as the Ganga crossed the highest flood level in Patna, raising concerns over flooding in downstream areas.

The rising water level also disrupted rail services in the region. The East Central Railway cancelled and diverted several trains after the water level at a bridge connecting Punpun and Parsa Bazar stations on the Patna-Gaya sectionreached an alarming level.

Relief and rescue operations have been intensified across the affected districts. Officials said 190 community kitchensare currently operating to provide food to flood-hit residents.

As many as 1,429 boats have also been deployed to evacuate people stranded or marooned by the rising floodwaters and move them to safer locations.

With river levels continuing to remain high, authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable areas and downstream stretches while rescue and relief measures remain underway.