Varanasi: The flood threat started looming large in localities developed along the banks of the river Varuna as, after reaching close to the warning level of 70.26 metres, the Ganga started flooding its tributary in Kashi.The Central Water Commission reported that by 4 pm on Monday, the water level of the Ganga had crossed the 70-metre mark and continued rising at the rate of 2 cm per hour. The warning level in Varanasi is 70.26 metres, while the danger mark is 71.26 metres.Apart from flooding low-lying areas along the Varuna, the Ganga also started entering streets through several ghats, including Assi Ghat in the upstream area, old Dashashwamedh (Sheetla) Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. As a result, people arriving with corpses for funeral rites had to move through submerged streets for several metres to reach the steps leading to the upper platform of Manikarnika Ghat.As no space was available at the other cremation ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, pyres were being set up on the street leading to it. Limited space at both ghats was compelling people arriving for funerals to wait for hours to get space for setting up new pyres.The district administration had activated 46 flood relief camps and shelters in the district when the water level in the Ganga crossed the 69-metre mark on August 22. Even after the Ganga started receding, the flood relief camps and shelters remained operational. When the Ganga’s water level again crossed the 69-metre mark by Sunday morning and the rate of rise per hour was massive, officials ensured the operationalisation of 61 camps to meet any possible challenge posed by floods.District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar made a surprise inspection of flood relief camps at Primary School, Saraiya, and United Public School on Monday, reviewing preparedness in view of the rising river level. He asked the local councillor and the naib tehsildar about the flood situation, the number of people taking shelter, and arrangements for food, drinking water, lighting and other essentials.Kumar directed officials to ensure cleanliness at the camps and provide all necessary facilities to displaced families. At the Saraiya camp, he ordered the installation of tents on the school campus, additional toilets and adequate boats as requested by the councillor. He also told officials to ensure that children’s studies were not disrupted and that teachers attended classes on time.Officials informed him that more residents from low-lying areas were expected to arrive by evening. The district magistrate instructed departments, including revenue, health, animal husbandry and the municipal corporation, to remain on alert and activate additional relief camps wherever required. He said community kitchens should serve nutritious and quality meals daily.At United Public School, Kumar reviewed vulnerable areas and spoke to camp residents about administrative support. He directed the health department to conduct medical check-ups at the camp. Municipal officials were told to maintain sanitation in the premises and toilets, spray anti-larval chemicals in waterlogged areas and carry out regular fogging. Officials from the concerned departments accompanied him.
