Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Ganga Flood Threat Grows in Varanasi as Relief Efforts Intensify
The Ganga River is rising quickly in Varanasi after heavy rain.
Its water level has passed the warning mark and is moving toward the danger mark.
Some parts of the city near the river are already underwater.
Manikarnika Ghat, where many cremations take place, has been completely flooded.
Families are using boats to reach the cremation area.
The Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat has been moved to higher ground.
Thousands of people are being taken to safer places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told officials to work very quickly and help everyone affected.
Relief camps, boats, and emergency teams are ready to assist residents.
The Ganga crossed its warning level at Varanasi’s Rajghat gauge, reaching 70.54 metres at 6 a.m. Thursday.
The river was rising by about two centimetres an hour, with the danger level at 71.262 metres.
Flooding has affected 29 villages and wards, while 2,900 people are being moved to safer locations by boat.
Manikarnika Ghat has been submerged, forcing families to use boats to reach cremation facilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered relief operations to proceed on a “war footing,” with 61 camps and 198 boats deployed.
- Who
- Residents of Varanasi, district officials, rescue agencies, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are involved.
- What
- The Ganga has crossed its warning level, flooding parts of Varanasi and prompting rescue and relief operations.
- When
- The warning-level crossing and the prime minister’s instructions were reported on Thursday; officials had inspected vulnerable areas on Tuesday.
- Where
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, particularly areas along the Ganga, Varuna River, and the city’s ghats.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall has caused the Ganga to rise rapidly, with more heavy rain forecast for eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- River level
- The Ganga measured 70.54 metres at the Rajghat gauge at 6 a.m. Thursday.
- Warning level
- The warning level at Rajghat is 70.262 metres.
- Danger level
- The danger level at Rajghat is 71.262 metres.
- Rate of rise
- The river was rising by approximately two centimetres an hour.
- People relocated
- About 2,900 people are being moved to safer locations by boat.
- Relief camps
- The district has established 61 flood relief camps with community kitchens.
- Rescue boats
- A total of 198 boats have been arranged for relief and rescue work.
- Emergency monitoring
- A flood control room is operating around the clock to monitor water levels, weather, affected areas, and relief operations.