On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought an update regarding the flooding in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. He engaged in discussions with the District Magistrate as various regions experienced inundation due to the rising levels of the Ganga and Varuna rivers.
As the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament for the area, Modi received a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing relief efforts in the historic city, according to government sources.
In a statement posted on X, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar shared that the Prime Minister asked about the current water levels of the Ganga and Varuna, the arrangements in place for relief camps, and the support being provided to those affected by the floods.
Modi emphasized the need to conduct relief operations with urgency and instructed that special care be given to the requirements of children, women, and the elderly in the flood relief camps. He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing essential facilities for displaced families and maintaining close monitoring of the flood situation and relief efforts.
According to officials, the flooding has impacted 29 villages and wards within the district, displacing approximately 2,900 residents, who are being relocated to safer areas using boats.
As of Thursday morning, the water level of the Ganga at Rajghat was recorded at 70.42 meters, which exceeds the warning threshold of 70.26 meters but remains below the danger level of 71.26 meters. The highest flood level was previously noted at 73.90 meters in 1978.
The river’s rise, driven by significant rainfall upstream, has led to the inundation of lower areas along the ghats, necessitating the relocation of some cremation activities to higher ground. Additionally, boat services have been disrupted.
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, recognized for its renowned Ganga Aarti ceremony, portions of the lower platforms have been submerged, prompting organizers to move the evening event to elevated locations.
The district administration is actively supplying essential resources to flood-affected and vulnerable areas, while various departments and rescue organizations remain on heightened alert to assist residents in need.
A total of 61 flood relief camps equipped with community kitchens have been established throughout the district, and flood relief kits have been prepared to provide affected families with necessary daily items.
A flood control room has been set up to operate continuously, monitoring water levels, weather patterns, potentially impacted regions, and ongoing rescue and relief operations. Information gathered at this control center is promptly communicated to relevant departments to ensure swift responses.
To enhance local monitoring, 21 flood outposts have been established across the district, and a fleet of 198 boats has been organized for relief and rescue missions.
Additionally, teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Water Police, and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) are on standby to assist.
In anticipation of health-related challenges often arising from flooding, the Medical Department has been stocked with essential medicines and first aid supplies. Medical teams will be deployed to relief camps as necessary.
Officials have also stressed the importance of providing clean drinking water, sanitation, and health education to prevent waterborne diseases and infections in the aftermath of the flooding.
