Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi has stepped up flood preparedness amid the possibility of rising water levels in the Ganga and Varuna rivers, with 61 relief camps, 198 boats, 21 flood posts and specialised rescue teams placed on standby.

The Varanasi district administration has identified 61 flood relief camps to accommodate families if flooding forces residents to leave vulnerable areas.

The camps have been equipped with essential facilities including food, clean drinking water, lighting, bedding, sanitation and sleeping arrangements.

Community kitchens will provide nutritious meals three times a day to people staying at the camps.

Officials have also arranged flood relief kits containing essential daily-use items for displaced families.

Multiple departments deployed at relief camps

The relief camps will function as integrated assistance centres rather than only temporary shelters.

Officials from the Revenue Department, Medical Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Municipal Corporation and other agencies will be deployed according to requirements.

The Revenue Department will assess the needs of affected families and coordinate relief measures. Medical teams will provide first aid, medicines and health services, while municipal officials will focus on sanitation, drinking water and other civic facilities.

Animal Husbandry teams will provide medical care and other assistance for livestock.

198 boats ready for rescue operations

The administration has arranged 198 boats for emergency rescue and relief operations.

The boats can be used to evacuate residents, transport people to safer locations, distribute relief supplies and carry out emergency rescue operations in flooded areas.

Trained sailors and supporting teams will be deployed as required, with authorities stressing safety measures during boat operations.

A total of 21 flood posts have been established across the district for local-level monitoring.

These posts will track water levels, traffic, public safety and conditions in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Information gathered by the flood posts will be passed to the central flood control room and senior officials so that relief and rescue measures can be initiated quickly when necessary.

A 24-hour flood control room is monitoring the situation in Varanasi.

Officials are tracking river water levels, weather conditions, potentially affected areas and ongoing relief and rescue preparations.

The control room will also coordinate information between different departments and respond to emergency reports from residents.

NDRF and water police on standby

Specialised teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Water Police and Public Safety Unit (PAC) have been kept ready for emergency operations.

These teams can be deployed to waterlogged areas, riverbanks and locations where normal road movement is disrupted.

Their responsibilities include evacuating residents, carrying out water rescues and delivering essential relief supplies.

The administration has also made arrangements for the safety of livestock in flood-prone areas.

Adequate straw has been arranged, while Animal Husbandry teams are prepared to provide vaccinations, health checks and medical treatment.

If required, arrangements have been made to move animals to safer locations and provide them with fodder and drinking water.

Medical teams prepare for post-flood health risks

Medical preparedness has been strengthened because flooding can increase the risk of waterborne diseases and other infections.

Essential medicines and first-aid supplies have been arranged, with medical teams available at relief camps as required.

Officials are also focusing on clean drinking water, sanitation and health awareness to reduce the risk of disease during and after flooding.

Authorities monitor Ganga and weather conditions

The district administration is continuously monitoring the Ganga and other rivers along with weather conditions.

Officials are assessing information from the Central Water Commission and the India Meteorological Department to determine whether additional precautionary measures are required.

Multiple departments, including revenue, police, health, irrigation, electricity, water supply, food and logistics, and public works, have been asked to remain prepared.

Public advised to avoid risky areas

Residents have been advised not to unnecessarily approach rivers, drains, waterlogged areas or locations with fast-flowing water.

The administration has asked people to follow official safety instructions and immediately report emergencies to local officials or the flood control room.

The preparations are aimed at ensuring quick evacuation, rescue operations and the availability of food, drinking water and essential supplies if flooding occurs.