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Ganga Swells: Varanasi Faces Flood Panic
30 Aug
Summary
- Ganga River water level rose sharply at 5 cm/hour, nearing the warning mark.
- Low-lying Varanasi areas and several localities along the Varuna river inundated.
- Flood relief efforts are underway with alerts issued for residents to evacuate.
The Ganga River experienced a dramatic surge, rising at a rate of 5 centimeters per hour and nearing the 70.26-meter warning level by Sunday afternoon. This rapid increase caused distress in lower-lying areas, particularly along the Varuna River, which has seen several neighborhoods submerged. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and managing flood relief operations.
Floodwater has reached the ground floors of approximately 35 homes across three localities: Nakkhighat, Saraiyya, and Salarpur. Residents have been advised to evacuate to safer places or utilize the 61 operational relief camps. Previous instances of families seeking shelter in these camps have been noted, with returns occurring once water levels receded.
Monitoring has been intensified along all 86 ghats, many of which are now submerged, with floodwaters encroaching on adjacent lanes. Religious activities at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats remain disrupted. Namo Ghat's lower section and the Namaste sculpture are partially submerged, and Ganga aartis are being performed from rooftops. The Goddess Sheetla Temple has also been affected, impacting worship services.
