Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Swollen Ganga Sweeps Away Century-Old Bihar Temple
A very old temple in Bihar was taken away by the Ganga River.
This happened in the Raghopur area of Bhagalpur.
The river was high and moving strongly.
Changes in the river’s path and sand buildup made the riverbank weaker.
A video showed the temple falling into the river within seconds.
Another house collapsed in Bettiah because of similar erosion.
Officials warned people living in dangerous areas to stay alert.
They also prepared shelters, food, drinking water and medical help.
Residents were asked not to believe rumors and to focus on keeping people and animals safe.
A nearly century-old Chaiti Durga Temple was swept away by the Ganga in Bhagalpur’s Raghopur area.
The temple disappeared within seconds as strong currents and riverbank erosion affected the area.
Officials attributed the erosion to rising water levels, shifting flow, heavy silt and strong currents.
A house also collapsed in Bettiah due to riverbank erosion, according to PTI.
Authorities alerted residents, prepared evacuation plans and arranged food, water and healthcare at relief camps.
- Who
- The Chaiti Durga Temple, local residents, Bihar officials and residents affected by erosion.
- What
- The nearly century-old temple was swept into the Ganga, while a house in Bettiah also collapsed because of riverbank erosion.
- When
- Tuesday, September 1; related footage and reports circulated on September 2.
- Where
- Raghopur, including Shankarpur village, in Bhagalpur district, and Bettiah in Bihar.
- Why
- Rising water, changes in the Ganga’s flow, heavy silt deposition and strong currents worsened riverbank erosion.
- Temple
- Chaiti Durga Temple, a religious landmark that had stood for nearly 100 years.
- Affected area
- Raghopur and Shankarpur village in Bhagalpur district, Bihar.
- Incident
- The temple was engulfed by the Ganga within seconds.
- Additional damage
- A house collapsed in Bettiah because of riverbank erosion.
- Official assessment
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary called the situation challenging and difficult.
- Erosion causes cited
- High water levels, altered river flow, heavy silt deposition and strong currents.
- Relief response
- Authorities arranged community kitchens and relief camps offering food, drinking water and healthcare.