LUCKNOW, Sept. 7 -- The flood situation in parts of Uttar Pradesh showed signs of improvement on Sunday, with water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna receding in Prayagraj and the Sharda falling in Lakhimpur Kheri. However, the Ghaghra remained above the danger mark in Bahraich, while several villages, roads and agricultural fields continued to remain inundated in the affected districts. In Prayagraj, water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna fell for the second consecutive day, bringing relief to residents of flood-affected low-lying areas. At 8am, the Ganga had fallen 46 cm at Phaphamau and 17 cm at Chhatnag in 24 hours, while the Yamuna declined 11 cm at Naini and 7 cm at Bakshi Dam STP. All embankments remained safe, officials said. By 4pm, the Ganga had receded another 9 cm in eight hours and the Yamuna by 1 cm. Intermittent rain continued in the city over the past three days, with similar weather forecast for the next one to two days. ADM (finance and revenue) Vinita Singh advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, though she said the falling river levels indicated that the flood threat had reduced considerably. In Lakhimpur Kheri, the situation in Palia, Nighasan, Lakhimpur and Dhaurahra tehsils also eased slightly as the Sharda fell to 17 cm above the danger mark by Sunday evening. The river had been 35 cm above the danger mark of 154.59 metres a couple of days earlier following heavy discharge from the Banbasa barrage. Officials said the fall in water levels prevented floodwaters from entering villages in Palia, though agricultural fields, approach roads and areas along the river remained inundated. Several villages in Nighasan, Gola, Lakhimpur and Dhaurahra continued to be affected, with some areas inaccessible. In Dhaurahra, villages between the Sharda and Ghaghra remained waterlogged and erosion was reported at some places. Nepal-origin rivers Mohana and Karnali also continued to affect border areas of Nighasan. In Bahraich, however, the Ghaghra rose 29 cm above the danger mark at Elgin Bridge on Sunday morning following heavy rain and water released from Nepal. The river stood at 106.36 metres against the danger level of 106.07 metres, with a discharge of 367,600 cusecs. Water entered Jothepurwa, Mahant Purwa and Tanch Jangal, while submerged roads and waterlogging disrupted movement. Residents sought food, drinking water, livestock fodder and safe shelter.The administration said it was monitoring the situation and sending assistance as required, while advising residents in riverside areas to remain alert. (With inputs from Parayagraj, Lakhimpur and Bahraich)...