Prayagraj: The holy city of Prayagraj, where the sacred Ganga and Yamuna converge, is now a city under siege. Relentless monsoon rains and massive water releases from upstream barrages have sent the twin rivers surging beyond danger levels, drowning roads, swallowing villages, and forcing thousands to abandon their homes.
For residents, this is not just another seasonal flood but a humanitarian crisis unfolding in real time. “I have lived by this river my whole life, but I’ve never seen water rise this quickly,” said 62-year-old boatman Hari Shankar, now ferrying stranded families to higher ground instead of pilgrims to the Sangam.
Rivers Surge Beyond Control
By Tuesday night, the Ganga stood at 82.48 meters at Phaphamau and 82.74 meters at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna reached 83.44 meters at Naini. The official danger mark for these points is 84.37 meters, and officials fear that continued rainfall in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand could push levels beyond safety limits.
In just 24 hours, the Ganga rose 2.78 meters at Phaphamau and 1.89 meters at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna surged 1.69 meters at Naini. “The river is rising at a speed that’s making rescue efforts difficult,” said a senior irrigation official.
Power Blackouts in 52 Villages
Over 52 villages have been plunged into darkness after water entered the Tharwai electricity substation. Engineers cut power as a precaution, leaving villages such as Rangpura, Bahmalpur, Tharwai Bazaar, Ismailganj Bazaar, Bhiduira Bazaar, Tharwai Police Station, and Mansaita Jaitwardeeh without electricity.
“Everything is submerged—our fields, our homes, our cattle sheds. We can’t even light a lamp without fear,” said Shobha Devi, a farmer’s wife from Behlemau, as she clutched her two children in a crowded rescue boat.
Mumfordganj Sluice Gate Operation
In a late-night high-risk operation, engineers sealed the Mampur Ganj sluice gate to prevent floodwaters from overwhelming nearby colonies. “This was a critical step to stop a catastrophic breach,” explained a flood control engineer. “But with this much upstream discharge, every measure is temporary.”
Hetapatti Route Vanishes Underwater
The Hetapatti road, a vital artery connecting several villages, is once again submerged. For the second time this monsoon, boats have replaced buses, carrying families and food supplies through choppy waters.
“The flood has swallowed not just our land, but our lives,” said farmer Jitendra Maurya, standing on a narrow patch of dry ground. “We’ve tied our cattle on rooftops. If water rises another foot, we’ll lose everything.”
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
The district administration has mobilized the NDRF, SDRF, police teams, and local volunteers. Schools, government offices, and community halls have been converted into relief camps. Disaster teams are patrolling submerged areas with megaphones, urging residents to evacuate.
“Many are refusing to leave out of fear of theft or property loss,” said a district official. “We are asking everyone to prioritize safety. Property can be rebuilt—lives cannot.”
Economic Paralysis
Markets remain shuttered, transport is crippled, and tourism around the Sangam is halted. Farmers report catastrophic crop losses as floodwaters drown paddy fields and livestock. NGOs are stepping in to distribute dry food packets and medicines, while doctors warn of a surge in dengue, cholera, and snakebite cases as snakes are driven out of fields.
A Battle With Nature
For Prayagraj, situated at the confluence of two of India’s mightiest rivers, floods are not new. But this year’s surge is faster, higher, and more destructive. “Every monsoon brings anxiety, but this year’s scale has shocked even seasoned locals,” said social activist Meena Singh, coordinating relief efforts in Chhatnag.
Flood Helpline Numbers
0532-2641577
0532-2641578
0532-2641597
0532-2641598
PRAYAGRAJ FLOOD SNAPSHOT
| Details | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Danger Mark | 84.37 meters |
| Water Level (Ganga, Phaphamau) | 82.48 meters |
| Water Level (Ganga, Chhatnag) | 82.74 meters |
| Water Level (Yamuna, Naini) | 83.44 meters |
| 24-Hour Rise (Phaphamau) | +2.78 meters |
| 24-Hour Rise (Chhatnag) | +1.89 meters |
| 24-Hour Rise (Yamuna) | +1.69 meters |
| Villages Without Power | 52 |
| Key Flood-Prone Areas | Rampur, Behlemau, Sharvad Bazaar, Ismailganj Bazaar, Ghisarpur Bazaar, Tajuddinpur, Mansewa Ghosia |
| Shelters Established | 20+ |
| Rescue Teams Deployed | NDRF, SDRF, Police, Volunteers |
EXPERT VIEW: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FLOOD RISK
“Prayagraj’s flooding this year is not just a natural disaster but a warning,” says R.K. Singh, urban planner and climate expert. “Our rivers are swelling faster because of changing rainfall patterns—shorter, more intense bursts of rain due to climate change.
Urban expansion into floodplains and inadequate drainage systems compound the problem.
The city urgently needs a long-term flood resilience plan, including stronger embankments, better stormwater management, and zoning laws that stop construction on vulnerable floodplains. Without systemic change, disasters like this will only intensify.”
Hope Amidst the Deluge
Despite nature’s fury, the resilience of Prayagraj’s people is on full display. Volunteers have been wading through chest-deep water, delivering rations and medicine.
Children huddle on school benches turned into beds in shelters, while elders recite prayers as rescue boats navigate the streets.
“This city has seen floods, famine, and wars,” said 70-year-old Kailash Nath, sitting on a rooftop in Chhatnag. “The Ganga and Yamuna are both gods and tests for us. We will survive this, too, together.”
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