SHOTLIST:

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (AUG 3, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF FLOODED AREAS IN VARANASI, INDIA

2. INDIANS DIVING IN AND OUT OF WATER (TWO SHOTS)

3. OFFICER ON THE BOAT BLOWING WHISTLE

4. OFFICER SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Indian)

5. INDIANS IN FLODED AREA (TWO SHOTS)

6. OFFICER ON THE BOAT BLOWING WHISTLE

7. VARIOUS OF INDIANS IN FLOODED AREA

8. INDIANS BURNING WOOD AS PART OF HINDU RITUALS (TWO SHOTS)

9. INDIAN MAN SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Indian)

10. INDIAN MAN SPEAKING TO REPORTER (English)

11. VARIOUS OF FLOODED AREA

12. INDIAN WOMAN SPEAKING TO REPORTER (English)

13. VARIOUS OF FLOODED AREA, BOATS ON RIVER

SCRIPT

The rising Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, Aug 3, heightened the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, prompting the relocation of families to designated safe zones, according to Indian local authorities.

Footage from the area shows the swollen river inundating several Ghats, including the iconic Manikarnika Ghat, a major site for Hindu cremations.

In response, police have cordoned off all Ghat areas as a safety measure and relocated the Ganga Aarti ceremonies, daily Hindu rituals, to higher platforms along the riverbanks.

The rising waters also submerged the river police outpost at Dashashwamedh Ghat, disrupting routine patrol operations.

While the current water level is nearing the danger mark, it still remains below the record high of 73.90 meters set during the 1978 flood.