Prayagraj: The historic city of Prayagraj is reeling under a worsening flood crisis as the Ganga and Yamuna rivers continue to swell beyond safe levels, swallowing entire neighborhoods and cutting off major roads.
Continuous rainfall in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, combined with heavy water releases from multiple dams, has caused a sharp rise in river levels, triggering panic across the city and surrounding villages.
What started as a steady rise in water levels earlier this week turned into a full-blown disaster by Wednesday evening, when both rivers surged dangerously close to, and in some areas surpassed, the danger mark of 84.37 meters.
City Under Siege by Water
Floodwater has seeped into low-lying colonies, lanes, and marketplaces.
Areas that were bustling just days ago now resemble islands, with rooftops barely visible above water in places like Rajapur, Bakshi Bandh, Mori Gate, and Nagvasuki.
Boats have replaced vehicles as the only means of movement in several parts of the city, with residents ferrying household essentials and elderly family members to higher ground.
Emergency teams are scrambling to rescue those stranded in submerged homes, while dozens of makeshift shelters have been set up for displaced families.
Alarming Water Levels
Measurements taken on Wednesday, 8 p.m., reveal the following alarming figures:
- Ganga at Phaphamau: 83.95 meters
- Ganga at Chhatnag: 83.48 meters
- Yamuna at Naini: 84.05 meters
(All perilously close to the 84.37-meter danger mark.)
Between Tuesday night and Wednesday night alone, the rivers rose dramatically:
- Ganga: +0.74 meters
- Yamuna: +0.61 meters
- Total Rise: +1.47 meters in 24 hours
Experts warn that if the upward trend continues, many more residential and agricultural areas may soon be submerged.
Infrastructure Collapses, Power Outages Spread
The rising waters have triggered a near-complete blackout in Rajapur and surrounding colonies.
Flooded transformers and submerged power lines forced authorities to shut down over 250 transformers, plunging entire neighborhoods into darkness.
Key connecting roads, including stretches of the Mumfordganj and Rajapur bypass roads, are under several feet of water, disrupting emergency relief operations.
Schools, businesses, and public offices remain closed, while hospitals struggle to stay operational amid power cuts and flooded premises.
52 Villages on the Brink
In rural Prayagraj, the flood threat is escalating rapidly. Officials from the Electricity Department and Irrigation Department warned that nearly 52 villages could be cut off if water levels rise further.
Executive Engineer Satyendra Prasad Mishra confirmed that water pressure on the Yamuna embankments is dangerously high, and engineering teams are reinforcing vulnerable spots to prevent catastrophic breaches.
Even religious and cultural landmarks are not spared. In Meerapur, floodwaters have entered the Narayan Ashram School campus, forcing the immediate evacuation of students and staff.
Government and Rescue Efforts
District administration teams are on high alert, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is actively deploying boats and emergency personnel.
Relief camps are being set up across affected areas, offering temporary shelter and food. However, residents remain fearful as the water continues to rise at a pace described by officials as “alarming.”
Prayagraj’s iconic confluence of rivers, once a site of spiritual devotion, has turned into a devastating flood zone, reminding residents of nature’s raw power.
Officials are urging residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately, while rescue operations are being scaled up to match the severity of the disaster.
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