Prayagraj, Aug. 6 -- With lakhs residing in low-lying areas hit hard by the rising waters of the Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj, the twin rivers finally began to recede from late Monday night, continuing through Tuesday - much to the relief of affected residents. However, officials warn that the possibility of further rise remains if river water is released again from upstream barrages. The water levels of both rivers had been rising continuously for the past eight days. Nearly five lakh residents across the district have been affected - many stranded in their homes or relocated to flood relief centers in both urban and rural areas. According to officials from the flood control unit of the irrigation department, both the Ganga and Yamuna had been receding for the past 24 hours as of Tuesday evening. At 4 pm on Tuesday, the Ganga was recorded at 86.03 metres in Phaphamau, 85.17 metres in Chhatnag, and 85.74 metres at the Bakshi STP measuring site - showing a drop of 4 to 10 cm between noon and 4 pm. Flood Control Unit records indicate that in the past 24 hours, the Ganga's level dropped by 8 cm in Phaphamau and 24 cm in Chhatnag. The Yamuna's water level in Naini fell by 26 cm. However, both rivers are still flowing well above the danger mark of 84.734 meters. Currently, floods have affected 123 localities, wards, and villages. A total of 9,470 people (2,220 families) have taken shelter in 24 active flood relief camps set up by the district administration. On Tuesday, 323 regular boats and three motorboats were deployed for rescue and relief operations, said ADM (finance and revenue) Vinita Singh, the nodal officer for flood relief. "Floodwaters have begun to recede and the situation is steadily improving, with water levels in both rivers decreasing. Currently, 23 flood relief camps are operational, housing over 8,000 people. These camps are equipped with nutritious food, clean water, lighting, medical care, and other essential amenities," district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said....