Floodwaters Displace Thousands Across Uttar Pradesh, Death Toll Rises

Heavy rains and rising river levels have triggered severe flooding across several districts in Uttar Pradesh. Over 84,000 people have been affected, with thousands evacuated to relief camps as rivers breach danger levels in key areas like Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Mirzapur.

According to the Central Water Commission, the Ganga River in Varanasi crossed 72.1 meters on Monday morning, well above the danger mark of 71.26 meters. In Prayagraj, both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have surged past the danger level of 84.73 meters. By 8 a.m., water levels reached 86.03 meters at Phaphamau (Ganga) and 86.04 meters at Naini (Yamuna).

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Flooding has submerged 402 villages in 37 tehsils. More than 11,000 people have taken shelter in 905 flood relief camps. Schools have been closed, and electricity is disrupted in over 180 villages and urban neighborhoods.

“We’ve deployed NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams across affected areas,” said Vishal Singh, State Information Director. “All agencies are on high alert to assist with rescue and relief.”

Twelve people have died over the past 24 hours in rain-related incidents, including drowning, snake bites, lightning, and house collapses. Among the victims were two sisters in Sitapur, crushed under a collapsed wall.

District authorities in Bhadohi have activated 22 flood posts. “Divers and sailors are on standby. We are continuously monitoring water levels,” said District Magistrate Shailesh Kumar.

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) is facing severe floods as Ganga and Yamuna are flowing 1–1.5m above danger mark.

Over 200 villages, 107 urban wards are submerged; key areas like Phaphamau, Naini, Sadar are worst-hit. Water levels are still rising. #India_Flood_Rainpic.twitter.com/Nnx1SuO2nC

— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) August 4, 2025

In Varanasi, major ghats such as Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika are underwater. Rituals and cremations have been moved to rooftops and temporary platforms. “All ghats are submerged. People have lost access to the river,” said Shivam Agrahari of Ganga Seva Nidhi.

More than 6,500 people have been displaced in Varanasi alone. Over 17,000 food packets were distributed in one day. Fifty boats are operating for evacuation and aid.

In Prayagraj, 84 ghats are submerged. Many residents waded through waist-deep water carrying children on their shoulders. Floodwaters have entered over 60 localities, disrupting transport, power, and sanitation services.

“The transformer here is fully underwater. We have no electricity,” said Mohammad Imran from Sadiabad. Another resident, Mohammad Rahim, said, “Every year this happens. No permanent solution is offered.”

The state government has deployed an 11-member ministerial team to oversee relief operations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered senior district officials to remain on-site and conduct 24-hour monitoring.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel visited Mirzapur on Sunday. “We are committed to ensuring that all affected people receive timely help,” she said during her inspection.

Swatantra Dev Singh, Minister of Jal Shakti, conducted an aerial survey of Hamirpur and Auraiya. “The situation is serious in many areas. Relief work must continue without delay,” he told reporters.

Meteorologist Dr. Atul Singh warned of continued rainfall over the next two days. “Eastern UP has recorded 146 percent above-normal rainfall. The situation remains critical,” he said.

On Sunday, the state recorded 14.2 mm of rainfall, 95 percent above the daily average. Twenty-four districts saw heavy rain, prompting school closures in Prayagraj, Lucknow, and Sultanpur.

Agriculture has also suffered. In Varanasi, over 327 hectares of cropland are submerged. Across the state, 4,015 hectares of farmland are underwater, and 343 houses have been damaged. Compensation has been given to 327 families.

With more rain expected and river levels still rising, authorities have issued a high alert in several districts. Relief work continues as teams battle strong currents and submerged infrastructure to reach affected residents.

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