Ganga, Yamuna rise rapidly in Prayagraj, low-lying areas face flood threat

At 8 am, the Ganga stood at 82.62 metres at Phaphamau and 81.68 metres at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna was at 82.20 metres at Naini. The danger mark for both rivers is 84.734 metres.

The Ganga and Yamuna continued to rise in Prayagraj on Monday following persistent rainfall, with water reaching residential areas in several low-lying localities and authorities stepping up flood preparedness.

Floodwater near Chhota Baghada locality in Prayagraj on Monday. (HT Photo)

At 8 am, the Ganga stood at 82.62 metres at Phaphamau and 81.68 metres at Chhatnag, while the Yamuna was at 82.20 metres at Naini. The danger mark for both rivers is 84.734 metres.

The Ganga rose 1.06 metres at Phaphamau in 24 hours and gained another 10 cm by 4 pm, reaching 82.72 metres. At Chhatnag, it rose 16 cm to 81.94 metres, while the Yamuna at Naini reached 82.35 metres.

Officials said the next 24 hours would be crucial as the Ganga was rising at about 4 cm per hour. The Indian meteorological department has forecast fresh rainfall by evening, with similar weather likely over the next two days.

District magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and municipal commissioner Seelam Sai Teja inspected Bakshi Bandh STP and Nagvasuki Road and directed departments to complete flood-preparedness measures.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is patrolling vulnerable areas, while relief camps have been kept operational.

Photo caption: Floodwater near Chhota Baghada locality in Prayagraj on Monday.