Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Ganga Crosses Warning Mark in Varanasi as Relief Efforts Intensify
The Ganga river in Varanasi has risen above its warning level.
It measured 70.54 metres on Thursday morning and was still rising.
The river was not yet at the danger level, but flooding has already affected some areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked officials to organize relief work quickly.
Officials visited flooded neighborhoods and spoke with residents.
They also checked camps where affected families can stay safely.
The camps were told to provide food, water, electricity, healthcare and clean surroundings.
Boats and rescue teams are being kept ready in case people need to move.
More rain is expected, so authorities are watching the river carefully.
The Ganga reached 70.54 metres at Varanasi’s Rajghat gauge at 6 am Thursday, exceeding the 70.262-metre warning level.
The river was rising by about 2 centimetres per hour and remained 72 centimetres below the 71.262-metre danger level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and ordered relief operations to proceed on a “war footing.”
Officials inspected flood-affected areas, relief camps and vulnerable locations, while preparing boats and resources for possible evacuations.
More rain is forecast in eastern Uttar Pradesh, while authorities have imposed boat restrictions and strengthened monitoring and relief arrangements.
- Who
- The Central Water Commission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Varanasi district officials, police, the National Disaster Response Force and affected residents.
- What
- The Ganga crossed its warning level in Varanasi, prompting intensified flood monitoring, relief preparations and possible evacuation planning.
- When
- The water level was recorded at 6 am on Thursday; officials inspected affected areas and camps on Tuesday. More rain is forecast through September 8, with widespread rainfall expected on September 6 and 7.
- Where
- At the Rajghat gauge site and flood-affected areas and relief camps in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; flood relief is also planned in Farrukhabad.
- Why
- The Ganga and Varuna rivers are causing flooding and waterlogging in parts of the area, while further heavy rainfall is forecast.
- Latest water level
- 70.54 metres at the Rajghat gauge site at 6 am Thursday
- Warning level
- 70.262 metres
- Danger level
- 71.262 metres
- Highest flood level
- 73.901 metres
- Rate of rise
- About 2 centimetres per hour
- Rain forecast
- Rain over eastern Uttar Pradesh through September 8, with fairly widespread to widespread activity expected on September 6 and 7
- Relief camps inspected
- Primary School in Salarpur and Vidya Vihar Inter College
