Water level in Ganga crosses danger mark in Varanasi

 The district administration said 18 municipal wards and more than 80 villages have been affected by the floods in Ganga and its tributary Varuna in the district.

Water level in the Ganga crossed the danger mark in Varanasi on August 27, inundating many agricultural- and residential areas on the banks of the holy river and its tributaries.

 The district administration, in a statement, said that 18 municipal wards and more than 80 villages have been affected by the floods in Ganga and its tributary Varuna in the district and 228.69 hectares of crops have been damaged in the district.

According to the Central Water Commission, the water level of the Ganga crossed the danger mark of 71.26 metres and reached 71.50 metres by 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Sud-divisional magistrate (Sadar) Hansika Dixit said 68 villages of Varanasi Sadar have been affected by the floods and as many as 10,104 flood victims have been shifted to 18 relief camps.

The Varanasi district has three tehsils — Sadar, Pindra and Rajatalab. All necessary arrangements have been made to provide food and other necessities, the SDM said, adding that the teams of the district administration are continuously patrolling the affected areas to assist the trapped people.

The SDM said that along with relief material and medical facilities, "dignity kits" consisting of sanitary kits as well as soap etc. are being distributed to the women.