LUCKNOW, Oct. 3 -- For residents of Faizullaganj, the sigh of relief breathed on Thursday was cut short. Just as floodwaters of the swollen Gomti showed signs of receding, they surged back into narrow lanes and modest homes on Friday, extending an agonising inundation into its sixth consecutive day. In densely populated pockets of Millat Nagar, Zainab Masjid and Ram Vihar Colony, the returning tide has transformed roads into canals, leaving over 200 homes submerged. Families are trapped in knee-deep water, grappling with a drinking water crisis and a wait for rescue, lamented locals. SDM (Sadar) Sahil Singh said the situation would improve only after the river level begins to fall. "The struggle is only escalating as water enters fresh areas," said local activist Mamta Tripathi, noting that the few boats operating in the area are struggling to meet the demand of the marooned areas. She said water reached knee level in parts of Millat Nagar while residents also raised concerns over the availability of drinking water. The fresh rise came despite ongoing rescue and relief measures. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar had told HT on Thursday that more than 200 houses were submerged and residents continued to depend on boats to move through waterlogged streets. The civic body deployed 15 boats to help residents move through the affected stretches. District magistrate Vishak G and joint commissioner of police (law and order) Babloo Kumar inspected the affected areas by boat on Friday and reviewed rescue and relief operations. Officials said three flood relief camps and a control room had been established. The administration said 24 boats had been deployed for relief operations, while divers had been kept ready for emergencies. The DM directed officials to arrange 10 additional boats and identify children, elderly residents and pregnant women so they could be moved to safer locations on priority, if required. He directed officials to ensure regular removal of garbage in floodwater. HTC...