10,000 shifted as Ganga crosses danger mark, floods Varanasi areas

VARANASI: Over 10,000 people were shifted to relief camps and safe places in Varanasi after a rapidly rising river Ganga crossed the danger mark and started marooning low-lying localities in the city apart from flooding its tributary Varuna here on Saturday.
As per the Central Water Commission's Middle Ganga Division office report, water level of the Ganga had crossed the danger mark of 71.26 meter after Friday midnight and by 2 pm on Saturday, it was flowing at the mark of 71.54 mt.
Against the danger mark of 77.72 m, the river was flowing at 77.46 m in Mirzapur. Water level of the Ganga has crossed the danger mark of 63.10 m in Ghazipur while it was flowing over one and half meter above the danger mark of 57.61 m in Ballia.
In Varanasi, the water of overflowing Ganga has started inundating roads at Samneghat, Asi, Harishchandra and Dashaswamedh ghats. In upstream, the flood water has entered residential colonies like Maruti Nagar and others through nullahs. The situation was worse in the downstream of river Varuna, which has been flooded by the Ganga, as water marooned low-lying areas of Dhelvariya, Saraiyya, Nakkhighat, Puranapul, Shailputri and adjoining localities.
Varanasi district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said, "Around 10,500 people have been shifted from low-lying localities along the river Varuna after it was flooded by a rising Ganga. Of these, 2,600 have taken shelter in 16 flood relief camps set up by the administration while 6,600 have shifted to places of their choice. People in around 4,000 houses have become compelled to shift their household articles to upper floors or safe places."
"Apart from ensuring food to the people in relief camps, milk and fruits are also being arranged for the children, elderly persons and women," he said, adding, "1,800 dry ration kits have also been distributed. People stranded in their homes in flood-affected areas are being given safe drinking water, candles and other necessary items."
In rural areas, the overflowing river has not affected population so far, but distribution of fodder in villages where the water has entered the fields, has been ensured. Teams of veterinary doctors and staff have also been rushed to examine the health of animals.
Three ADMs have been deployed to monitor situation in the Ganga upstream, areas along the river Varuna and rural belt. NDRF and other rescue teams have been pressed into action. NDRF personnel took out 10 'batuks' (child disciples) from a marooned Vedic studies school near Ravidas Ghat.
Boats were sailing on roads and streets leading to the cremation ghats, including Manikarnika and Harishchandra, where cremation was taking place at upper platforms or in the streets. A total of 61 boats were engaged in flood relief work while health department teams were also rushed to the flood-hit areas with life saving medicines and also anti-venom kits.