Varanasi: Continuous heavy rainfall in the hills has started impacting Varanasi, with the Ganga’s water level rising and several idols and small temples along the ghats beginning to submerge. Although the river level has remained largely steady over the past four days, the district administration has intensified flood preparedness amid forecasts of more rain in the coming days.According to the daily flood bulletin issued by the Middle Ganga Division of the Central Water Commission, the Ganga was flowing 9.82 metres below the warning level in Varanasi on Monday. The river continued to rise in Ghazipur and Ballia, where the water levels were 8.54 metres and 4.79 metres below the red mark. Ballia recorded 98.8 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Ghazipur received 10.2 mm.On Sunday, the swollen river reached the aarti platform of Ganga Seva Nidhi at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and other deities installed beneath the aarti structure were submerged. Floodwaters have also brought water hyacinth to the edges of the ghats, raising concern among residents living in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks.In view of the flood threat, the district administration has stepped up preparedness. People and devotees have been advised to stay away from deep water and riverbanks. Boat operations are being closely monitored to prevent any untoward incident.Authorities have also begun making arrangements to supply relief material to vulnerable areas and shift people to safer locations if required. The CWC and the water police are continuously monitoring the river’s water level.Several families have already started moving to safer places as a precaution. Meanwhile, the meteorological department has forecast more rainfall in the hills and plains over the coming days, raising the possibility of a further rise in the Ganga’s water level.The local weather report and forecast issued by the meteorological department for Varanasi on Monday warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. Monsoon activity has intensified in Varanasi, though the city received only light rainfall despite dense cloud cover throughout Sunday. Only 2 mm of rainfall was recorded in the past 12 hours.Atul Kumar Singh, senior scientist at the UP Regional Meteorological Centre, said that although the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has weakened, the monsoon flow from the region is steadily strengthening. The monsoon trough has also become active and is moving close to its normal position, which is likely to increase rainfall activity in eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other districts.IMD has warned of heavy rainfall across many parts of the state until July 22. People have been advised to remain cautious during bad weather and avoid venturing into open areas unnecessarily.
