# Gandak River Breaches Embankment in Saran, Submerging NH 722 and Displacing Thousands

> A sudden surge in the Gandak River and an embankment breach at Haijalpur have flooded multiple panchayats in Bihar's Saran district, cutting off National Highway 722 under several feet of water.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bihar · **Published:** 2026-10-03 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bihar/gandak-ka-kahara-haijalpur-men-tatabndha-tutane-se-national-highway-722-duba-saran-ke-ganvon-men-bhari-tabahi-42341 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Saran Flood, Gandak River, National Highway 722, Maker, Haijalpur Embankment, Bihar Floods, NDRF Rescue

Rising waters of the Gandak River have unleashed widespread devastation across the Saran district of Bihar, submerging numerous panchayats overnight. The sharp and sudden increase in water levels has severely impacted regional connectivity, completely drowning a significant stretch of National Highway 722, which connects Chhapra with Muzaffarpur. Near Maker, a 3 to 4-kilometer section of this vital highway now lies submerged under 3 to 5 feet of surging floodwater, bringing all vehicular movement along the corridor to a complete standstill.

## Highway Inundation and Stranded Communities
The sudden inundation of the highway and its surrounding low-lying areas has trapped local residents within their settlements. As floodwaters entered residential premises, families found themselves marooned without immediate means of transit. To evacuate those stranded in deep water, the district administration mobilized teams from the NDRF and SDRF equipped with several motorboats. Despite these operations, affected villagers have pointed out that the current deployment of rescue personnel is inadequate relative to the massive scale of the disaster, calling for a swift reinforcement of rescue personnel and vessels on the ground.

## Difficult Evacuations Across Swollen Waters
Conditions across the flooded belt remain extremely precarious. Residents who could not secure government rescue boats in time were forced to risk their lives by wading on foot through strong currents to reach higher ground. Families were seen guiding their cattle through inundated paths to shield livestock from drowning. Amid the unfolding crisis, rescue efforts also witnessed acts of individual dedication, including a police personnel carrying two young children in his arms across the waters to safety.

## Breach at Haijalpur Triggers Catastrophe
According to local residents, the disaster was triggered by damage to an embankment at Haijalpur in the Maker block, which allowed the river to pour unchecked into human habitations. Villagers noted that although floodwaters had spilled onto the national highway previously in 2020, the scale of destruction did not match the current crisis. Thousands of households have been severely hit by the present deluge, with families forced to abandon their homes, belongings, and livelihoods in a desperate bid to survive.

## What this means for you
The submergence of National Highway 722 and rural flooding in Saran has severed the direct transport link between Chhapra and Muzaffarpur.

- **Across India:** Inter-district freight movement and long-distance road transport connecting parts of northern Bihar face diversions and transit delays. Supply chains relying on this corridor will experience extended travel times and higher logistics expenses.
- **In Saran:** Thousands of marooned families across Maker and adjoining panchayats face acute shortages of dry shelter, food supplies, and potable water. Local vehicular movement between Chhapra and Muzaffarpur remains suspended with floodwaters reaching depths of up to 5 feet on the highway.
- **For Local Residents:** Displaced households are compelled to seek refuge on elevated embankments and designated relief sites while moving livestock to safety. Securing fodder and preventing waterborne diseases will be immediate priorities as waters stagnate.
- **For Commuters:** Travelers planning to use the Chhapra-Muzaffarpur route should postpone non-essential trips until the highway is cleared. Motorists must monitor administrative advisories for detour routes before setting out.

## Why this happened
The severe flooding was triggered by a rapid surge in the Gandak River combined with a breach in an earthen embankment located at Haijalpur.

- **Embankment Failure:** The primary structural cause was the damage sustained by the embankment at Haijalpur in Maker block. Once the barrier gave way, floodwaters poured unrestricted into neighboring villages and agricultural fields.
- **Sudden Surge in River Flow:** Overnight volume increases along the Gandak River placed immense pressure on local drainage networks and embankments. The rapid escalation caused water to overflow across a 3 to 4-kilometer stretch of National Highway 722.
- **Historical Precedent:** Local residents noted that floodwaters had previously reached the national highway in 2020. However, the volume and geographic reach of the current inundation far exceed past levels, resulting in significantly heavier displacement.
- **Immediate Response:** In response to the breach, the district administration deployed motorized rescue units from the NDRF and SDRF to evacuate stranded populations. Ground operations continue amid calls from affected communities for additional rescue assets.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What caused the recent floods in Saran district?
A rapid overnight surge in the Gandak River and an embankment breach at Haijalpur in Maker block caused the inundation.

### 2. Which section of National Highway 722 is currently submerged?
A 3 to 4-kilometer stretch of NH 722 passing through Maker, connecting Chhapra to Muzaffarpur, is covered in 3 to 5 feet of water.

### 3. Who is conducting rescue operations in the inundated areas?
The district administration has deployed NDRF and SDRF rescue teams equipped with multiple motorboats to evacuate stranded residents.

### 4. What concerns have local villagers raised regarding relief efforts?
Residents report that the current number of NDRF and SDRF teams is insufficient for the scale of the crisis and have demanded more rescue personnel.

### 5. Has this stretch experienced similar highway flooding in the past?
According to locals, water had previously spilled onto the highway in 2020, though that event caused far less destruction than the current deluge.

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