Varanasi is grappling with a severe flood situation as the Ganga River surged above its danger level - reaching 71.66 m on Sunday, surpassing the 71.26 m threshold and inundating all 84 ghats and over 32 localities in the city.

More than 6,500 residents have been displaced, including over 5,300 in urban zones, and 1,469 farmers have lost around 328 hectares of farmland to flooding. Authorities have banned all boat operations and shifted cremations from Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats to elevated platforms for safety.

Emergency response units - NDRF, SDRF, PAC, and local officials - are aiding stranded individuals through rescue and relief camps, offering essentials such as food, clean water, and medical services.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s specially constituted “Team 11” is supervising relief operations across 12 districts, including Varanasi and Prayagraj, where heavy rains and overflowing rivers have affected over 84,000 people .

The situation remains unstable, with forecasts indicating the Ganga could rise another 41 cm in the coming days. Officials urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid floodwaters, and report misinformation promptly.