Allahabad: Situation grim, thousands move to safer places

PRAYAGRAJ: Flood situation continues to remain grim in Prayagraj with floodwater inundating several low-lying areas forcing thousands of people to abandon their houses and move to safer places.
While water level of Ganga and Yamuna rivers continues to rise, residents from flood-prone areas have been shifted to various relief camps.
As per reports, floodwater has gushed into the first floors of houses in several low-lying areas, including Chota Bagahra, Phaphamau, Beli Kachar. People residing in large parts of the areas were facing a lot of inconveniences as water and power supply have been cut off due to the flood situation.
For the past three days, flood-affected families were seen moving to safer areas or various relief camps arranged by the local administrations. In few pockets, people were seen taking shelter on roofs of their houses.
Atul Kumar, a resident of Ganga Nagar, said “Whenever there is flood, we go through mental and physical trauma apart from financial crisis. Many underprivileged families abandon their houses that they had built with their hard-earned money and move to the relief camps.” Munna, a local of Chota Bagahra, said, “I have a small grocery shop on the ground floor and it was my only source of income. I live with my family on the upper floor of the house. Floodwater entered my shop and destroyed everything. I feel helpless now.”
“There is no other option but to wait for the water level to recede, after which we would go back to our home,” said a family staying in a relief camp.
“Although the local administration claimed to have made adequate arrangements at relief camps, we would heave a sigh of relief only after returning to our houses,” echoed another flood-hit victim.