Varanasi Floods: Rising Ganga Submerges Ghats, Disrupts Daily Life

New Delhi (India) July 20: All of Varanasi's main ghats are now underwater due to the Ganga River's rising water level. Concerns are raised in a number of low-lying locations because the river is only slightly below warning level. The Water Commission's report states that the Ganga River's water level was 70.12 meters. The alert level is 70.26 meters.

Temples and Police Booths Submerged

The Ganga temple of Dashashwamedh Ghat and the police booth are also flooded. These spaces are quickly cleared.

In places like Daniyalpur, Pulkoha, the borders of the Salarpur railway line and Chamelia Basti in Salarpur, floodwaters also got inside a number of homes. 

The dirt and the unbearable smell are as much of a problem for the locals as the water. Conditions are similar at Rasulgarh, Pulkoha, the Salarpur railway line and the area around Chhoti Masjid.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) says there is little likelihood of rain in the state. On the other hand, thunderstorms and rain may occur in certain parts of western Uttar Pradesh. Weather changes are anticipated in the next several days. Rains are returning in 20 to 25 districts after two to three days.

After days of nonstop rain, all of the Ganges ghats and Varanasi are underwater. The temples along the river are flooded. Due to the rising water level, the district government is warning residents and visitors to avoid the ghats.

Funerals Held on Roadsides

As the water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna increased by more than one metre in the last day, the Daraganj cremation ghat had to be completely closed on Saturday. This makes the flood situation in Prayagraj worse. 

Residents were forced to cremate more than a dozen dead on the Bandh road beneath the bridge since the ghat is under water.

Reports state that the Yamuna near Naini increased by 118 cm. The river was flowing less than two meters below the 84.73-meter danger line on Saturday night.

District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar writes to the U.P. relief commissioner. He requests a flood assistance package worth ₹60 lakh.

Relief Camps Set Up Across District

ADM (finance and revenue) Vinita Singh is the district's nodal person for flood relief measures. She reports that 87 flood relief camps have been created across the district.

She said, “On Saturday, 40 people took shelter in relief camps within city limits, including 32 at Annie Besant School and eight in Kareli. Round-the-clock monitoring of both the flood situation and relief efforts is underway.” 

This monsoon season, UP has already received 252.5 mm of rain, 6% more than usual. As rain continues to fall throughout the state, authorities are still on high alert.

Aadrika Tayal