Relentless Rains Flood Varanasi, Stranding Residents and Alarmingly Disrupting Daily Life

Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, grappled with severe flooding as the Ganga River swelled beyond its banks after incessant downpours. The deluge severely impacted the city's residents, cutting off essential services and isolating neighborhoods for days.

In an interview with ANI, Prakash Ram, a local resident, decried the lack of immediate aid, remarking on the difficulties faced by those stranded. "The floods have left us helpless. No help arrived for nearly a week, and we are reliant on limited food and water supplies," Ram stated.

Kishan, a social worker involved in relief efforts, reinforced the plea for widespread assistance. "Rescue operations, backed by NDRF, are ongoing, but more help is needed. Many remain cut off, especially vulnerable groups like children," he appealed, urging both governmental and public involvement. Officials, including SDRF's Pankaj Kumar Tiwari, affirmed ongoing rescue activities, yet challenges persist amid the crisis.

Residents like Mandakini Prakash voiced concerns about health risks from stagnant waters, which threaten to trigger outbreaks of diseases such as dengue. "The water has stagnated, escalating fears of health hazards," she told ANI. The flooding not only disrupted transport but also suspended vital services, like food supply chains, impacting education and daily living.

Meanwhile, Moradabad experienced significant waterlogging, and in Prayagraj, the river's rise above the danger mark compounded existing challenges in affected areas. Efforts to manage the catastrophe continue, but the call for comprehensive, swift action remains desperate as Uttar Pradesh faces its toughest test in years. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)