Ganga, Yamuna breach danger mark after rain; 13 districts flooded
What's the story
Uttar Pradesh is reeling under severe floods as continuous rainfall has pushed the water levels of major rivers above the danger mark. The Ganga, Yamuna, and Betwa are flowing above the red line in several districts. Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, and Ballia are among those affected by the swollen Ganga. The Central Water Commission recorded its level at 72.1 meters on Monday morning—above the danger level of 71.262 meters.
River levels
Cremation, religious rituals shifted to rooftops
The Yamuna is flowing above the danger mark in Auraiya, Kalpi, Hamirpur, Prayagraj, and Banda. The Betwa is also flowing above the danger mark in Hamirpur. Shivam Agrahari of Ganga Seva Nidhi said all ghats have been submerged, cutting off access to cremation grounds and other religious rituals, which have now been shifted to rooftops and raised platforms.
District impact
Schools closed in Prayagraj
The floods have affected 13 districts, including Prayagraj, Jalaun, Auraiya, and Mirzapur. Schools in Prayagraj have been closed as a precautionary measure. The district administration has set up flood relief camps for citizens affected by the deluge. In Varanasi, the famous Ganga 'aarti' at Dashashwamedh ghat is now being performed on rooftops due to rising waters.
Rescue efforts
NDRF teams rescuing stranded individuals
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively patrolling flood-affected areas and rescuing stranded individuals. A ban on boat movement in the Ganga has been imposed as a precautionary measure. District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar visited relief camps to review arrangements and ordered the deployment of police personnel for security and cooking meals at these camps.