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Just a few months ago, India was celebrating the largest human gathering in the world — the Maha Kumbh Mela — with millions of pilgrims from across the globe taking a dip in the holy Sangam at Prayagraj. The mellow waters of the Ganga and Yamuna were worshipped and glorified. But today, the scene has reversed — these very sacred rivers have spilled beyond their banks, turning streets into streams and cities into temporary riverbeds.
Prayagraj and Varanasi: The Holy Waters take over
In July–August 2025, heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding in Prayagraj and Varanasi, submerging ghats, temples, and low-lying neighborhoods. By mid-July, all 84 ghats in Varanasi were underwater, boating was suspended, and over 5 lakh people in Prayagraj were surrounded by floodwaters. The situation peaked on August 3–4, when the Ganga and Yamuna flowed above danger marks—Varanasi recorded 72.10 m (danger mark ~71.26 m) and Prayagraj’s Phaphamau gauge reached 81.04 m. Across Uttar Pradesh, 84,000+ people and thousands of cattle were displaced, 343 houses damaged, and over 4,000 hectares of farmland flooded. Relief efforts involved NDRF/SDRF rescues, over 1.5 lakh meal packets, medical camps, and 97+ relief shelters. As waters receded in early August, residents began returning, while sanitation drives with thousands of workers aimed to prevent post-flood disease outbreaks.
Watch this video for a deeper understanding of the floods!
Uttarakhand: The unexpected cloud burst
The state of Uttarakhand has received an alarming amount of rainfall all throughout July. On August 5, 2025, a sudden cloudburst struck near Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Torrential rainfall caused flash floods and landslides, devastating homes and hotels along the Kheer Ganga river route. Many eyewitnesses shared disturbing footage that shows the water washing away houses and people along with it. Reports confirmed at least 4 to 5 fatalities, while dozens remain missing, including 11 army personnel stationed at a nearby camp.
River Bhagirathi changes its course
The powerful flash flood in Dharali (Uttarkashi) reshaped the channel of the Bhagirathi River, pushing it back toward its historical path adjacent to the Kheer Gad tributary. ISRO satellite imagery revealed that the flood eroded a massive debris fan (spanning about 20 hectares, roughly 750 m by 450 m), prompting the tributary and, in turn, the main river, to shift its flow toward the right bank.
Relief Operations throughout the Country
In July–August 2025, floods swept through many parts of India, leaving thousands stranded and homeless. Across states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and volunteers worked day and night to rescue people, often using boats and helicopters to reach those trapped. Over 1.5 lakh people were moved to safety, with shelters set up to provide food, drinking water, and medical care. In places where roads were gone and homes were underwater, relief teams dropped supplies from the air. Health workers set up camps to stop the spread of diseases, and countless locals and NGOs stepped in to help, showing how, even in disaster, people came together for each other.
Read this article to get a detailed understanding of the ongoing relief operations!
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