Ganges crosses danger mark in Raibareli, flood warnings issued for riverside villages

The Ganges river water level has crossed the danger mark in Raibareli, triggering flood warnings across several riverside villages and inundating farmland in the Katari region. The water level has risen to 98.440 metres, surpassing the warning threshold of 98.360 metres, as the river continues its steady climb.

Officials report the Ganges has been rising at an alarming rate of one centimetre every four hours, heightening concerns for communities living along its banks. The rapid increase has placed villages near Katari at serious risk of flooding, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.

The rising waters have already caused significant damage in the Katari area, where waterlogging has submerged standing crops of paddy, sugarcane, and pigeon pea belonging to local farmers. The agricultural losses come at a critical time in the farming calendar, potentially affecting livelihoods and food security in the region.

In Dalmau, the elevated water levels have reached the VVIP ghats along the Ganges, with floodwater now covering these prominent riverside steps. The inundation of these important bathing and ceremonial sites underscores the extent of the river's swelling.

District authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving flood situation as the Ganges continues to rise. With the water level now firmly above the warning mark and showing no signs of receding, local administration is likely to issue advisories for residents in low-lying areas. The steady increase over recent hours suggests the situation may worsen before improving, particularly if upstream rainfall continues to feed into the river system.