The monsoon has dramatically altered weather patterns across India, with constant rain escalating river levels and causing widespread flooding, particularly in northern India, including Uttar Pradesh. Iconic areas in Prayagraj, the sacred city of confluence, are underwater, and the rivers swell ominously, even affecting cities like Varanasi.
Flood Crisis in 17 Districts of UP
Seventeen districts in Uttar Pradesh are grappling with flooding, with sixteen districts facing the wrath of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Areas along the Ganga from Prayagraj to Ballia are submerged. Areas within Prayagraj, such as Salori, Rajapur, Daraganj, and Bagadha, are completely inundated. Similarly, the situation remains grim in Mirzapur, Varanasi, Chandauli, and Ballia, though Prayagraj bears the worst impact. Seven months ago, these areas were bustling with visitors; now, vast expanses resemble oceans.
Source: aajtak
Severe Conditions in Prayagraj
Conditions severely deteriorate where the Ganga-Yamuna rivers meet in Prayagraj. Post-confluence, the Ganga incorporates water not only from Yamuna but also inflows from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The swirling currents from Mirzapur to Ballia are intimidating. Authorities have heightened alerts, urging residents to stay cautious.
Prayagraj's Iconic Hanuman Temple Submerged
In Prayagraj, it’s now almost impossible to discern the boundaries of the Ganga and Yamuna. The Kila Ghat and Jhunsi areas are indistinct, while these rivers signal grave threats to the city. Glacial flow now dominates Ganga’s catchment areas—Bela Kachar, Rajapur, Teliarganj, Sonauthi, Bagadha—the lush riverbanks are overcome, and Prayagraj's Hanuman temple is completely submerged. Only the temple’s flag is visible, while the Shankar Viman Mandap, along the Sangam shore, isn’t spared by Ganga's reach.
Hundreds of houses along Ganga’s banks in Prayagraj are filled with floodwater; food supplies have either floated away or went bad. Entire structures near Curzon Bridge and Shankar Ghat are beneath the water. Houses on multi-level floors have relocated occupants to rooftops or safer stories.
NDRF Teams Rescue Stranded Residents
Localities like Bagadha, Daraganj, Teliarganj, Salori succumbed early to the flooding. These areas primarily house students preparing for competitive exams. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are diligently attempting house-to-house rescues, ensuring essential supplies and medicines reach flood victims.
Parents Braving Waters to Save Newborn
The Rasoolabad Ghat in Prayagraj vanished beneath the flooded water. Temples on ghats were submerged. Amid this, a compelling image emerged from Bagadha, showing parents wading through chest-level water, risking it all to save their newborn. Ganga is showing no mercy as it advances post-Sangam. Many villages in Handia and Meja region are surrounded by rising waters.
Yamuna's Fury About to Drown Everything
Source: aajtak
In addition to this disaster, regions abutting Yamuna—Agra, Etawah, Auraiya, Hamirpur, Kanpur Dehat, Fatehpur, Banda, Chitrakoot—suffer floods. The Ken River, a tributary of the Yamuna, swells precariously in Banda. Fatehpur’s Yamuna waters drown everything indiscriminately. Scores of roads disappeared and all electrical services halted due to the deluge.
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mobilized teams comprising eleven ministers to oversee relief operations. Each minister is tasked with monitoring relief efforts in their designated areas. Minister Nand Gopal Gupta supervises Prayagraj and Mirzapur's restorative measures.
