UP Flood Crisis Deepens: Over 16,700 Evacuated as Ganga Rises in Varanasi

The flood situation in Uttar Pradesh remained critical on Thursday as rising rivers and continued rainfall affected 23 districts, with 35 districts having reported flood-related impact so far. The state administration has intensified rescue and relief measures, with 16,784 people evacuated to safer locations.

According to the latest government figures, 3,042 people were rescued on Wednesday as authorities expanded operations across vulnerable areas. Three people have died in separate rain-related incidents. In Pratapgarh, an 18-month-old boy, Priyansh, died after a mud house collapsed amid persistent rainfall. Two others, aged 32 and 55, were killed when part of a shop structure collapsed in Amroha's Gajraula.

The state has deployed 1,499 boats and motorboats and 1,067 medical teams for rescue, healthcare and relief operations. Of the 1,311 flood shelters established across affected areas, 201 are currently functioning. Officials have also provided assistance in hundreds of cases involving damaged houses, while thousands of livestock have been affected by the flooding.

Varanasi has become one of the key areas of concern, with the Ganga rising above its warning level. Several low-lying areas have been affected, prompting authorities to suspend boat operations at vulnerable locations and caution residents against approaching flooded ghats and strong currents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, spoke with District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and Mayor Ashok Tiwari to assess the situation. He sought updates on river levels, relief camps and assistance being provided to affected residents and directed officials to maintain close monitoring.

In Varanasi, thousands of residents have been displaced, with several families accommodated in relief camps. Meanwhile, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri are also dealing with rising water levels and inundation. In Chitrakoot, rescue personnel recently evacuated around 150 people after the Mandakini river rose sharply.

Authorities remain on alert as further rainfall could push river levels higher. Rescue teams, medical personnel and district officials are continuing operations in vulnerable locations, while residents in low-lying areas are being advised to move to safer places.