Yogi Adityanath asks Prayagraj, Varanasi residents to stay vigilant as Ganga, Yamuna swell due to heavy rainfall

File image of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Reuters[/caption]Heavy rains over the past few days have caused the rivers to swell. A senior official said authorities in Prayagraj and Varanasi have been asked to make all necessary arrangements to deal with the situation and flood 'chowkis', to monitor the water levels in the rivers, have been activated.A report from Banda district said continued rainfall in the Bundelkhand region and release of water in Yamuna had led to flooding in many areas in Hamirpur, Banda and Chitrakoot districts. Yamuna, Ken and Betwa rivers are in spate and several acres of agricultural land has been submerged, it said.Banda District Magistrate Hiralal said incessant rains over the past four days have hit normal life, with water entering villages and damaging roads. People of the affected areas are being shifted to safer places in boats, he said.Adityanath had conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Ballia on Tuesday and distributed relief material. He asked the officials of the irrigation department to ensure the safety of bridges and embankments by undertaking regular inspections so that remedial steps can be taken promptly.At least 14 people were killed in rain-related incidents, including lightning and drowning, in the state on Tuesday. Adityanath has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to kin of the victims.