Ganga River flooding triggers emergency relief in Varanasi

The Ganga River has crossed the warning level in Varanasi, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order relief operations on a ‘war footing’. The river's water level was recorded at 70.29 metres, exceeding the 70.26-metre warning mark. Authorities have suspended boat operations as a precaution and are monitoring the situation closely as the water approaches the danger level of 71.26 metres.

In Uttar Pradesh, the flood crisis has affected 23 districts, leading to the evacuation of over 16,000 people. While there were initial concerns regarding a connection to recent flooding in Nepal, officials state the current surge is primarily due to heavy local rainfall and rising upstream inflows within the Indian river system.

The flooding has caused significant disruption in Varanasi, including the submersion of the Manikarnika Ghat. Due to the rising waters, traditional funeral rites have been impacted, with some families forced to use boats to reach the ghats or conduct cremations on building rooftops. In other areas like Patna and Mokama, rising waters have reached national highways and forced families into relief shelters.