The flood situation in Varanasi is growing closer to the surface as the water level of the Ganga is increasing fast and so far 84 ghats are in danger of being drowned along the riverfront and waterlogging in some low-lying areas has been reported. The rapid rise in the river has prompted the administration to beef up its preparedness, and teams of emergency response are on stand-by to deal with any deterioration.
According to the information available, the Ganga was flowing at a rate of 69.40 metres in Varanasi and was already near the warning level of 70.262 metres and the danger level of 71.26 metres. The water level has been increasing at nearly 4 centimetres per hour, causing residents in some of the most vulnerable parts to fear and the government to take measures because they were concerned.
The rising waters have transformed Varanasi’s riverfront. All 84 ghats are now submerged and some places are virtually inaccessible. Some of the city's iconic places near the river have suffered as well. The famous Namaste statue at Namo Ghat was reported to be almost completely underwater as the Ganga continued to swell.
Several ghats are now effectively marooned and floodwater has also reached the office of the River Police Commissionerate. Heavy rainfall has also driven up water levels and raised the risk of flooding in areas near the river and its tributaries.
Boat Operations Suspended As Water Level Rises
The river is moving at a rapid rate and water levels are still up and so they have suspended boat operations as a precautionary measure. The goal of this is to prevent accidents and to keep boats and other people in the flooded riverfront from trying to travel through flooded riverfront areas and keep tourists and residents safe.
The river Varuna is also affected. When the Ganga level increased, the river had reverse flow in the Varuna and water would enter low-lying areas along its banks. Residents of vulnerable areas have been reported to have begun moving towards safer and higher places, with fears of inundation growing.
The state government is monitoring the situation closely and it is advising people in flood-prone areas to be alert, said the administration. Officials are aware of the river continuing to rise and as it moves closer to the danger level and the Ganga approaches the flood zone, more and more communities could be affected by it, people living in flood-prone areas of the country will have to be on edge.
61 Relief Camps Identified Across Varanasi
The district administration has stepped up flood preparedness in a big way. 61 flood relief camps have been identified in Varanasi as part of the emergency response plan. The camps are equipped with shelter, food, drinking water, sanitation, lighting and medical care.
Officials also have 21 flood posts in regions most susceptible to flooding. These posts are meant to ensure that authorities can track the water level, weather conditions and flood-prone areas. The situation and the current conditions in flood-prone areas are continuously monitored by these posts to allow officials to respond more quickly if evacuation or rescue operations become necessary.
Another 198 boats have also been set up for relief and rescue operations. The boats will play an important role in moving people and essential supplies through flooded streets and will help with transportation if roads become inaccessible because of flooding.
NDRF, Water Police And PAC On Standby
Emergency response agencies have been placed on alert as the administration prepares for a possible worsening of the flood situation. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Water Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been put on high alert for emergency operations.
Their readiness is of particular importance with the rapid rise in the Ganga's water level and the possibility of flooding spreading to other low-lying places. Rescue teams will assist with evacuation, provide emergency support and help residents reach relief camps if needed.
Livestock have also been kept safe and attention is being paid to livestock in vulnerable areas. Larger numbers of fodder and drinking water are now being stored and facilities for moving animals are being prepared for livestock to be relocated. In this way livestock are not left behind in cases of displaced people having to move to safer areas as well.
Flood Risk Remains Under Close Watch
The Ganga has not yet reached the danger level, but the speed at which it is increasing has raised concerns. The current level is still well above the warning level but continued rainfall and a sustained rise in the river may add to the pressure on the riverbanks.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Due to heavy rainfall, the water level of the Ganga river is continuously rising. pic.twitter.com/yWOcmWEEez
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 31, 2026
People and visitors in Varanasi’s historic ghats, as well as those who visit, can see the extent of the disaster in the submergence of the ghats. The shutdown of boats and the presence of emergency workers and emergency teams will not only help prevent loss of life but also help prepare for any flooding.
Officials will be closely monitoring the Ganga and Varuna rivers in the coming hours to keep an eye on the Ganga and Varuna rivers and to monitor the riverbanks. Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas should be cautious and follow government orders to move to safer areas if the situation gets worse, officials advised.
