Ganges River Transcends Cautionary Level in Varanasi, National Disaster Response Force Prepares for Action
Flooding Affects Varanasi: NDRF on Alert as Ganga River Overflows
The city of Varanasi in India is currently grappling with a critical flood situation as the Ganga river water level has surpassed the warning mark and is rising rapidly. As of August 1, 2025, the water level in Varanasi has reached 70.28 meters, with a rise of 4 centimeters per hour[1].
The floodwaters have already entered several low-lying localities such as Konia, Salarpur, and Hukulganj, and surrounding areas. In total, 10 localities have been affected, including Salarpur, Saraiya, Nakkhi Ghat, Daniyalpur Konia, Dhelwariya, Pul Kohna, Rasulgarh, Nagwan, and Pushkar Talab[1].
The district administration attributes the rise in the Ganga's water level to heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh over the past three days[2]. As a result, 294 farmers have been affected, with over 53 hectares of crops damaged due to the flooding[3]. In the other 14 low-lying villages, agricultural fields have also been impacted.
To manage the situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on high alert and fully prepared to handle any emergencies. Relief measures include the operation of 13 flood relief camps (out of a total of 46 identified) to accommodate displaced people[1][4]. So far, 209 families have been relocated to these camps. Additionally, 953 people are currently staying in these relief camps, and 1,066 are residing at alternative shelters[4].
On Friday, 2,677 lunch packets were distributed, and 22 boats were deployed for rescue and relief operations. The local district administration and the district magistrate have inspected flood-affected areas and relief camps, emphasizing the importance of food, water, medical and sanitation support, as well as anti-larvae and fogging operations to prevent diseases[1][4].
In response to the potential threat of more heavy rain, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region[2]. To mitigate the impact, authorities including NDRF, local administration, and disaster management teams are actively engaged in flood monitoring, rescue, relief, and preventive health measures.
NDRF teams are in constant coordination with the local administration and are prepared for swift relief and rescue operations. Divisional commissioner S Rajalingam and deputy inspector general 11th NDRF Manoj Sharma conducted a field inspection of flood-affected areas in Varanasi[5].
The warning level for the Ganga in Varanasi is 70.262 meters, the danger level is 71.262 meters, and the high flood level is 73.901 meters[1]. With the Ganga expected to cross the danger mark soon, the city's residents and authorities remain vigilant, working together to manage this challenging situation.
[1] The Times of India [2] India Meteorological Department [3] The Hindu [4] ANI [5] PTI
- In the midst of the rapidly rising Ganga river waters, environmental scientists are monitoring the impact on the local ecosystem, particularly in relation to the flood-affected agricultural fields and animal habitats.
- As the weather forecast indicates more heavy rain in the coming days, experts in various fields, including those specializing in cricket, may need to adjust training schedules or postpone matches due to the deteriorating conditions affecting the city of Varanasi and its environs.
