Ganga rises above warning level in Varanasi as Prayagraj ghats submerge

Several ghats in Prayagraj were submerged as the Ganga and Yamuna continued to rise following heavy rainfall in the region, while authorities in Varanasi stepped up flood preparedness as the Ganga flowed above its warning level.

Although water levels in both rivers in Prayagraj remained below the danger mark, the administration has prepared 29 flood relief camps in anticipation of a possible worsening of the situation.

Also Read: Ganga river crosses warning mark in Varanasi, boat operations suspended


Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ankit Verma said arrangements had been made at the camps, particularly those located near low-lying areas.

"29 flood relief camps have been prepared in our area, and for those flood relief camps near the low-lying areas, all arrangements have been made... At present, the water levels of the rivers are below the danger mark," he said.

In neighbouring Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar to take stock of the flood situation amid incessant rainfall and rising water levels in the Ganga.

During the telephonic conversation, Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, sought details on the river's water level and arrangements at relief camps for residents affected by the flooding.

The prime minister directed the district administration to work on a war footing to provide relief to affected residents and ensure that necessary facilities are made available immediately. He also asked officials to arrange additional relief material wherever required and expedite aid operations.

Modi further stressed the need for constant vigilance so that immediate assistance could reach people in need.

According to the Central Water Commission, the warning level for the Ganga in Varanasi is 70.26 metres, while the river was flowing at 70.28 metres. The danger mark is 71.26 metres.

The river level was rising at around two centimetres per hour, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation as continued increases could bring the Ganga closer to the danger mark.

Also Read: Ganga water level crosses warning mark in Varanasi, rises at 2 cm per hr

As a precaution, police personnel have been deployed along routes leading to the Ganga to prevent untoward incidents. Boat operations have also been restricted between Assi Ghat and Keshav Ghat, while movement on the river is being closely monitored.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread weather activity over East Uttar Pradesh from September 3 to 8, raising the possibility of continued pressure on river levels.

The region is expected to receive isolated to scattered rainfall on September 3-5 and again on September 8, with rainfall likely to become fairly widespread to widespread on September 6 and 7. The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall across East Uttar Pradesh throughout the September 3-8 period.

With more rain expected and the Ganga already above its warning level in Varanasi, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance across flood-prone areas and preparing for a possible escalation in the situation.