&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’")
The rising Ganga crossed the warning level in Varanasi on Thursday amid heavy rainfall and continued to rise by around two centimetres an hour, further intensifying the flood threat as more heavy rainfall is forecast over eastern Uttar Pradesh. The rising waters of the Ganga have thrown life out of gear in Varanasi, with the river level climbing rapidly towards the danger mark and flooding several areas along the ghats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Varanasi, spoke to District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar over the phone on Thursday and sought a detailed update on the flood situation. The Prime Minister directed the administration to carry out relief operations on a “war footing” and provide all essential facilities to flood-affected people and ensure they face minimum inconvenience.
He instructed officials to immediately arrange additional relief material wherever required and accelerate relief operations. PM Modi stressed the need for continuous monitoring of the flood situation while ensuring that affected people receive assistance without delay.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) recorded the Ganga at 70.54 metres at the Rajghat gauge at 6 am, above the warning level of 70.262 metres.
The river was rising at two centimetres an hour. The danger level at Rajghat is 71.262 metres. The highest flood level at the site is 73.901 metres.
Parts of Varanasi are already facing flooding, with the administration monitoring vulnerable areas along the Ganga and Varuna rivers.
The rising water and inundation have disrupted one of the city’s most deeply rooted traditions—the last rites of the dead.
Manikarnika Ghat submerged, last rites hit
Trending Stories
)
Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Man pushes Russian humanoid robot. Watch what happens next
)
Coast Guard jet carrying DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin makes emergency landing after engine failure
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the Su-30MKI flies up to 8,000 kilometres using mid-air refueling
)
Trump says he’s ‘happy’ Harry and Meghan left US , calls them disrespectful
)
Chaos in Ukraine's Kyiv: Zelensky calls shootout between spy services 'absolutely shameful'
)
Harry Potter and the Philosophers' Stone: New trailer reveals fresh look at Hogwarts, sorting ceremony and iconic moments to life
)
Pakistan faces growing hunger crisis amid rising food insecurity
)
Belgium, latest EU state cautioned by India over arms for Pakistan; gets assurances from Brussels
)
Houthis target Yemen with ballistic missiles, Yemeni army downs several drones
)
The Odyssey star Elliot Page opens up about struggling to land his next acting role after starring in Christopher Nolan film
)
No selfies with God, no reels inside: Tamil Nadu CM bans smartphones in temples | Gravitas
)
Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pak fighter jet retires, takes up private job
)
Report: Egypt eyes new Rafale F4 deal amid air force modernisation push
)
Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions'
)
High Xylitol levels in blood linked to cardiovascular risk
)
WION Exclusive: Hasina says she reads father’s unfinished memoir while planning Dhaka return
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI uses a giant air brake on its back instead of its wings
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Beginning of the end? More glacial lake outbursts threaten millions in India, Nepal and China
)
India's data centre boom: AI boom fuels $31.6 trillion data race
)
J&K medical interns continue fourth-day protest, demand stipend hike to ₹30,000
)
Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz to ‘Trump Strait’
)
Pakistanis are eating less. What they are eating instead is even more alarming
)
Nepal floods: 1,204 dead, 4,216 missing as tearful relatives pray for the missing
)
ISRO EOS-05 launch: GSLV to lift heaviest payload in its 25-year flight history
)
EU and NATO step up pressure on Russia after Germany ‘escalation incidents’
)
Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying
)
At least 2 killed in Minneapolis shooting, suspect also dead
)
Manipur violence: 25 houses torched in Manipur’s Kangpokpi a day after 10 homes were burnt along Imphal-Tamenglong road
)
US Mint releases $1 coins featuring Donald Trump, priced up to $154.50
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the glass canopy on the Su-30MKI has a distinct golden tint
The Manikarnika Ghat has been completely inundated by floodwater, which has now reached the surrounding lanes. With the traditional route to the cremation ground submerged, families bringing bodies for cremation are being forced to rely on boats.
The district magistrate said in a post on X that the prime minister inquired about the water levels of the Ganga-Varuna, arrangements in relief camps, and facilities being provided to the affected people.
“He also issued instructions to conduct relief operations at a war footing and pay special attention to the needs of children, women, and elderly in flood relief camps.”
Officials said flooding has affected 29 villages and wards across the district. As many as 2,900 people are being moved to safer locations via boats.
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place, the river has submerged portions of the lower platforms, compelling organisers to relocate the evening ceremony to higher ground.
A total of 61 flood relief camps with community kitchens have been set up across the district.
Officials said a flood control room has been set up and it keeps a round-the-clock watch on water levels, weather conditions, potentially affected areas, and ongoing relief and rescue operations.
A fleet of 198 boats has been arranged across the district for relief and rescue operations.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Water Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have also been placed on standby.
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal and District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Tuesday travelled by an NDRF boat from Namo Ghat to inspect flood-hit and vulnerable areas.
