Prime Minister Modi directs Varanasi administration to work on war footing for flood relief

The Prime Minister directed the district administration to work on a war footing to provide relief to those affected

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and took stock of the flood situation in the city as the rising water level of the Ganga crossed the warning mark amid incessant rainfall. PM Modi, who is also the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, sought detailed information from the district magistrate about the river's water level and the arrangements being made at relief camps for people affected by the floods. The Prime Minister directed the district administration to work on a war footing to provide relief to those affected and ensure that all necessary facilities are made available immediately. He also instructed officials to make immediate arrangements wherever there is an additional requirement for relief material and expedite relief work for affected people. PM Modi further directed the administration to maintain constant vigilance over the flood situation and relief operations and ensure that immediate assistance reaches those affected. The Prime Minister's intervention came as the Ganga continued to rise in Varanasi. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the river's water level reached 70.54 metres at the Rajghat gauge site at 6 am on Thursday, crossing the warning level of 70.262 metres. The water level was rising at a rate of 2 cm per hour. The danger level at the site is 71.262 metres, while the highest flood level is 73.901 metres. The district administration has been closely monitoring areas affected by the rising waters of the Ganga and Varuna rivers. On Tuesday, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal inspected several flood-affected areas after travelling by an NDRF boat from Namo Ghat. The officials visited Salarpur, Saraiya, Konia, Pul Kohna, Dhelvaria and Sarai Mohana to assess waterlogging and the situation of residents. They also interacted with affected people and assured them of all possible assistance.

The district magistrate directed officials to remain on high alert and keep arrangements ready to shift residents to safer locations. He also ordered that boats and other resources remain available for relief and rescue operations. Relief camps at the Primary School in Salarpur and Vidya Vihar Inter College were also inspected. Officials were directed to ensure adequate food, drinking water, electricity, lighting, sanitation, healthcare and security, with special attention to children, women and elderly people.