Varanasi, Aug. 4 -- Several areas in Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh were flooded on Monday following incessant heavy rainfall and a rise in the water level of the River Ganga.

The water level of the river has been continuously rising since Saturday.

In response to the deteriorating situation, all boats running on the Ganga have been banned. Several Varanasi residents were seen wading through knee-deep water. Waterlogging caused traffic snarls in the city.

Taking stock of the flood crisis, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed all ministers in charge to immediately visit their assigned districts, inspect relief camps, and directly engage with affected families. He instructed senior officials--including DMs, SPs, ...