As the water levels in Ganga and Yamuna rivers inched towards the danger mark on September 18, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials in Varanasi and Allahabad. Heavy rains over the past few days have caused the rivers to swell. A senior official said authorities in Allahabad 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 September 17. CM Adityanath has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the victims.