UP Flood Alert: Ganga, Saryu rivers see rapid rise in water level

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 9 (ANI): As monsoon rains lash several parts of the country, the water level of the rivers is on the rise. The water level in the Ganga River has reached closer to the danger mark in Varanasi, submerging the Namo Ghat in knee-deep water. The Saryu River water level is also rising due to continuous rainfall in Ayodhya city.
Uttar Pradesh is facing continuous rainfall in several cities, causing waterlogging. Earlier, all government, government-aided and private schools from pre-primary to Class eight in Lucknow district were closed on Friday due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, according to a notice from the District Magistrate's office. The District Magistrate's office said the decision was taken following continuous heavy rain in the past few hours and a forecast for more rain by the India Meteorological Department.

The notice read, "In view of the ongoing inclement weather and waterlogging due to heavy rainfall in the past few hours in Lucknow, as well as the forecast of further heavy rain by the Meteorological Department, all government, government-aided, and private schools--including those affiliated with all boards--from pre-primary to Class 8 in both urban and rural areas of Lucknow district will remain closed for academic activities on August 8, 2025."School managements, parents, and students are requested to comply with this order strictly," the notice stated. Lucknow has been witnessing intense rainfall, causing waterlogging in several parts of the city. The weather department has warned of further heavy rain in the coming hours.

The monsoon has brought similar conditions to other parts of Uttar Pradesh, with rising river levels leading to flooding. In Varanasi, residential areas were inundated on Thursday as the water level of the River Ganga rose following days of heavy rain. Resident Prakash Ram told ANI, "It's flooded... There are a lot of difficulties... You all have come here, bringing food and water for now. No one else has come yet. It's been 5-6 days; we are stuck... can't go outside... we wait for the boat to come to go out." (ANI)