With rains lashing the western and the northern parts of India significantly, several ghats in Varanasi have been partially submerged. As reported by ANI, the flood-like situation around the ghats of Varanasi has emerged because of the rising water level in the Ganga River. The continuation of heavy rainfall in the region has made the situation alarming, officials said on Tuesday.
The local administration, along with the police and civic authorities, has been put on alert. Amid the alarming situation in Uttar Pradesh, precautionary measures have also been taken to ensure public safety. Authorities have also made sure that the residents in low-lying areas remain vigilant.
Visuals from Varanasi show water inundating the steps of several ghats, restricting movement and affecting normal life along the riverbanks.
Earlier, on July 19, rising water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers also caused severe waterlogging in low-lying areas near the Sangam region in Prayagraj. The inclined water level in Varanasi ended up submerging the roads and ghats near the sangam. The historic Hanuman Temple at the Sangam was also reportedly more than half submerged, causing inconvenience to devotees.
District officials assured that all necessary flood preparedness measures are in place. Flood control centres have been activated, and adequate stocks of food and emergency supplies are available.
While addressing the flood-like situation in Varanasi, one of the officials asserted that, “We are fully prepared to deal with any flood-like situation. All flood outposts are in place, and the necessary food and relief supplies are stocked. Our teams from the Water Police, NDRF, and SDRF are on high alert and ready to respond immediately if needed. At present, no residential areas have been affected, but our outposts will be activated the moment water enters homes,” as per ANI.
ANI has also reported that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to assess and repair damaged roads and culverts on a priority basis.
In view of recent storms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms across parts of the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to conduct field visits and ensure timely relief.
The official statement added that “officials must visit affected areas, monitor relief efforts, and ensure that compensation is promptly provided in cases of human or livestock loss due to lightning, storms, or flooding. Adequate medical treatment must be arranged for the injured,” as cited by ANI.
(With ANI Inputs)