VARANASI, July 17 -- : The Ganga River rising steadily from Varanasi to Ballia, flood outposts have been activated across Varanasi district. Water has started entering low-lying areas along the Varuna River due to reverse flow from the Ganga.

According to the central water commission, the Ganga's water level in Varanasi reached 68.94 metres on Wednesday, up from 68.42 metres on Tuesday. The water is rising at a rate of 10 mm per hour. All major ghats in Varanasi are submerged.

At Assi Ghat, much of the Subah-e-Banaras stage has gone underwater. Water has reached the police outpost at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and the Maa Sheetla Temple is flooded. Entire Sheetla Ghat is submerged, with only the peaks of many temples visible along the stretch ...