Agra Flood: Yamuna Submerges Agra and its low laying area
The Yamuna River’s rising water level has wreaked havoc in Agra’s Bah tehsil, leaving over 30,000 people affected. On Saturday, floodwaters entered Bateshwar Dham, submerging the historic chain of temples, including the sanctum sanctorum of the Kailash Mahadev temple.
Officials said that the situation remains grim as the Yamuna touched 499 feet by 10 PM. If the water level crosses 500 feet on Sunday, as feared, conditions may worsen further.
Temples and Villages Submerged
Several localities, including Ghat Bajaria, Tanoura, Noorpur, Naharganj, Moti Mahal, Barauli Gujar, and Krishna Colony Jeevani Mandi Road, are under water. Due to backflow from drains, streets in nearly two dozen settlements, such as Nagla Bihari, Baba Wali Gali, and Shri Sant Gali, were flooded.
Seven villages in Bah tehsil have lost road connectivity. Authorities have cut electricity in submerged areas to avoid accidents. Relief materials are being transported to marooned villages via steamers.
For the first time in 15 years, Vishram Ghat at Tajganj Mokshadham has gone under water, along with Poiya and Foundry Nagar crematoriums. Authorities have urged people not to perform last rites at Poiya Ghat due to safety risks.
Families Trapped in Flooded Homes
In Kailash village, six houses, including that of resident KS Kumar, were filled with floodwater. Families placed belongings on upper floors and refused to evacuate. Similarly, about 30 houses in Krishna Colony on Jeevani Mandi Road are relying on first floors to stay dry.
Two huts in Manoharpur and Amar Vihar have been completely submerged. Tanoura and Noorpur villages remain cut off, with all road access blocked by rising water.
Traffic movement has also been disrupted on Tanoura-Noorpur and Naharganj roads. Local roads, including the Nagla Bihari railway underpass, were flooded due to backflow.
Crops Destroyed Across Five Tehsils
The floods have damaged more than 9,500 bighas of farmland. Millet and green vegetables have been the worst hit. Farmers in Sadar tehsil lost nearly 3,000 bighas, while Fatehabad saw damage to 2,000 bighas. In Bah tehsil alone, over 4,000 bighas are under water.
Farmers have appealed to the district administration for immediate compensation, pointing out that the losses will push many into financial distress.
Devotees Risk Lives Amid Floods
Despite repeated warnings, some devotees continue to risk their lives by attempting to reach the submerged Bateshwar Dham temples. Locals reported that the sanctity of the holy site has not deterred visitors even during the flood crisis.
Officials, however, have urged people to prioritize safety and avoid traveling to affected religious or cultural sites until conditions improve.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
District Magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari said that continuous monitoring is underway. “Relief operations are ongoing. Officers and employees are deployed to assist villages, ensure timely delivery of relief materials, and manage evacuations,” he stated.
Rescue teams are also moving people from cut-off areas to safer locations. Evacuation shelters have been set up for displaced families, and food packets are being distributed.
Authorities have also assured farmers that crop damage surveys will be conducted and compensation procedures expedited.
A Flood Crisis After 15 Years
The current Yamuna flood is being described as the worst in more than a decade. With crematoriums submerged and highways blocked, the impact on daily life has been severe. Local residents say they have not seen such levels of devastation in years.
The administration continues to appeal for public cooperation and patience as efforts are made to restore normalcy.