Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – Heavy monsoon rains have triggered high flood alerts across several regions of Uttar Pradesh, prompting evacuations, relief camps, and intensified preparations by authorities.
Rivers Swell, Alert Issued
In Prayagraj, the water levels of both the Ganga and Yamuna are rising sharply—around 2 to 3 cm per hour as of July 31. Officials warn the rivers may cross the danger mark of 83.73 m by August 2, triggering the district’s third flood alert this month.
More than half a dozen villages and around two dozen mohallas have already seen partial flooding. Villagers are being shifted to safer zones with the help of boats, and relief supplies are being delivered in earnest.
Multiple Rivers Breach Warning Level
Several rivers across Uttar Pradesh—including the Yamuna, Ken, and Sarayu—have crossed warning thresholds. Local officials in these districts have raised flood alerts and asked residents to stay alert and follow instruction.
Meanwhile, in Varanasi and Prayagraj, the Central Water Commission reports that the Ganga has reached dangerous levels due to sustained northern rainfall. Authorities are keeping a vigilant watch on river behaviour.
Wide Reaches in East, West UP
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rains across Uttar Pradesh—issuing a yellow or orange alert for many districts between August 1–7. Eastern districts like Deoria, Gonda, Ballia, Lucknow, Ghazipur, while western areas including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Agra, Jhansi, Lalitpur may be impacted.
The IMD’s official bulletin confirms that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in East and West UP during early August, with elevated risks of flash floods and waterlogging.
On-the-Ground Response in Kanpur
In Kanpur, rising Yamuna water has submerged low-lying areas like Gadatha, Amirtepur, Katri, Katar, prompting the setup of relief camps and flood posts. Officials including SDM and tehsildars have coordinated rescue readiness. A WhatsApp group connects village heads and revenue officers for quick alerts. A special PAC camp equipped with rescue gear is on standby.
Disaster Drills and Preparedness in Varanasi
On June 27, the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority conducted a mock flood drill across 118 tehsils in 44 districts, including Varanasi. Scenarios included rising Ganga waters in Kaithi village, boat mishaps, and setting up model relief camps. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration responded effectively—rescuing trapped residents and conducting safety training for boat operators and relief camp staff.
Zoning and Long‑Term Resilience Measures
In Prayagraj and surrounding districts, the Irrigation Department will install warning pillars to mark flood‑prone zones along the Ganga and Yamuna. Based on historic floods (notably 1978), these markers will guide safe construction and alert residents of risk areas. The effort is to be completed within a year, stretching from Ballia to Unnao, targeting villages regularly hit by floods.
Experts Stress Planning and Coordination
The Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Plan‑2023 emphasizes a proactive, science‑driven strategy—including early warning systems, risk mapping, regular drills, and coordinated response protocols. Floods are recognized as a major risk across nearly 40 districts, making preparedness crucial.
What Residents Should Know
a. Stay alert if you live in river‑adjacent areas—particularly around Prayagraj, Kanpur, Gonda, Ballia, Lucknow.
b. Follow local flood warnings and advisories issued by government authorities.
c. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and register for local WhatsApp alerts, where available.
d. Use relief camps if instructed; boats and supplies are being arranged in affected areas.
e. Stay away from swollen riverbanks, and avoid travel through waterlogged areas.
