Farrukhabad (UP) | The flood situation in Farrukhabad worsened on Wednesday as rising water levels in the Ganga and Ramganga rivers inundated villages, disrupted road connectivity and triggered erosion, even as the district administration claimed to have stepped up relief and rescue measures.

According to the administration, 33 villages, 23,367 people and 4,855 families have been affected by the floods, while reports from the ground indicated that floodwater has impacted nearly 60 villages..

The Ganga water level reached 137.05 metres, just five cm below the danger mark, officials said.

The administration said it had set up 24 temporary shelters and 52 flood outposts, and deployed 50 boats, five motorboats, an NDRF team and a PAC flood unit. However, only 240 people had so far reached the shelters despite the administration's estimate of more than 23,000 affected people.

The health department said 35 medical camps had been set up, where 536 people were treated. It also distributed 272 ORS packets and 896 chlorine tablets. The animal husbandry department said 79 animals were treated at 11 veterinary camps and 3,804 animals vaccinated.

In Rajepur, the rising Ganga has worsened the flood situation in the trans-Ganga area, forcing authorities to shut the Farrukhabad-Budaun road.

The water level rose by 10 cm and approached the danger mark, officials said.

More than three feet of water was flowing with a strong current over the Rajepur dip, while around five feet of water had accumulated at the Chitrakoot dip, disrupting movement on both routes.

Police have barricaded the Rajepur and Jamapur routes and stopped traffic.

People are using the Dabri route to reach the district headquarters. Several villages, including Asha Ki Madaiya, Fattapur and Kirachan, have been affected. With water surrounding the villages, residents are relying on boats to reach safer places. Children returning from school were also seen waiting for boats.

Floodwaters have also reached several villages in the Katri area, where erosion has begun. Land is being washed away by the strong current near Teesram Ki Madaiya, Ambapur, Chitrakoot, Paschimi Gotiya, Purvi Gotiya, Sabalpur and Kanchanpur.

Residents have started moving their belongings to safer locations amid fears that continued erosion could worsen the situation. Power supply has also been disrupted in around 25 villages, including Teetram Ki Madaiya.

The administration has provided boats for movement in the affected villages. However, residents' concerns over safe connectivity, crop losses, fodder for livestock, drinking water and livelihoods remain significant challenges amid the rising water levels.