Flooding along Ganga and Varuna rivers in Varanasi

The Ganga river has crossed the warning mark in Varanasi, reaching 70.29 metres against a warning level of 70.26 metres. In response, the district administration has suspended all boat operations and advised residents and devotees to avoid the ghats and areas with strong currents. Authorities are monitoring the situation as water approaches the danger level of 71.26 metres.

Flooding from both the Ganga and Varuna rivers has partially affected approximately 11 localities and wards. The Varuna river's flooding has specifically impacted 328 families, totaling 1,388 people. To assist those displaced, 13 relief camps have been established, which are currently housing 935 individuals from 219 families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered relief operations to be conducted on a ‘war footing’. The broader flood crisis in Uttar Pradesh has affected 23 districts, resulting in the evacuation of over 16,000 people. While there were initial concerns regarding a connection to recent flooding in Nepal, officials state the surge is primarily due to heavy local rainfall and rising upstream inflows within the Indian river system.

In Varanasi, the submersion of the Manikarnika Ghat has disrupted traditional funeral rites. Some families have been forced to use boats to reach the ghats or conduct cremations on building rooftops. Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal and District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar have conducted inspections of flood-hit areas, including Salarpur, Saraiya, Konia, Pul Kohna, Dhelvaria, and Sarai Mohana, using National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) boats.