Uttar Pradesh News: Monsoon Floods Worsen, Over 5 Lakh Affected In Prayagraj; Ghats Submerged In Varanasi

Lucknow: Monsoon floods have severely disrupted life across Uttar Pradesh, with over 5 lakh people surrounded by water in flood-hit parts of Prayagraj alone. Rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have submerged more than 15 neighbourhoods, including cremation grounds, forcing last rites to be performed on roadsides.

In Varanasi, all 84 river ghats have gone under water, along with nearly 1,000 adjacent temples. The Ganga is reported to be just 1.56 metres below the danger mark. Mirzapur, Jaunpur, and Sonbhadra districts have shut schools as a precaution, while similar measures are in effect in parts of Prayagraj as well.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a rainfall alert across all 75 districts, forecasting very heavy rain in 26 and heavy rain in 49 districts. Intermittent rainfall was reported on Thursday morning in cities including Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. The forecast includes the possibility of lightning and strong winds.

Flood conditions continue to deteriorate in Chitrakoot, where the Mandakini river overflowed, submerging riverside temples. Two children were swept away in the rising water. In Sonbhadra, water was released from eight gates of the Kanhar Dam as the water level reached 256 metres. Similar action was taken at the Govind Sagar Dam in Lalitpur.

Rain-related incidents are also being reported from Amethi, where a wall collapse killed 11 sheep, and from Saharanpur, where overflowing streams are endangering residents. In Jalaun, rising Yamuna levels have cut off six villages, with authorities relying on boats for emergency movement.

UP has recorded 252.5 mm of rainfall this monsoon season so far, which is 6% above normal. Authorities remain on high alert as rainfall continues across the state.