Uttar Pradesh rains claim 21 lives in 24 hours; Nearly 56,000 are affected by the floods
Severe waterlogging in Lucknow
(Sunil Kumar/BCCL)
Tuesday 12 September: Chaos prevailed in Uttar Pradesh after heavy rains, severe thunderstorms and horrific lightning struck multiple areas of the state since Sunday. Although the rains are likely helpful for the state’s deficient monsoon rainfall statistics, the violent weather has only caused problems for its residents so far.
According to the Times of India, Barabanki and Rampur districts recorded 320 mm of rain in 24 hours starting 8:30 am on Sunday, making them the highest rainfall-receiving districts in the state. They were followed by Moradabad (270 mm), Sambhal (210 mm), Hardoi (170 mm), Hathras (160 mm), Kanpur and Kasganj (150 mm each).
As a result of these heavy rains, overflowing rivers flooded about 173 villages in ten districts. In addition to leaving nearly 56,000 people grappling with the disaster, an estimated 21 people died from torrential rain, lightning strikes, flooding and roof collapses in the past 24 hours.
The relief commissioner said that these deaths were reported in Hardoi, Barabanki, Pratapgarh, Kannauj, Amethi, Deoria, Jalaun, Kanpur, Unnao, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar and Lucknow districts.
The authorities were forced to close schools in several areas, including Lucknow. The state capital faced severe waterlogging and traffic jams on Monday as well, while train movement in Barabanki was affected due to submerged railway tracks.
Regarding the relief measures taken by the state government, Aditi Umrao, project director at the Relief Commissioner’s Office, said the need for emergency rescue operations has not yet arisen.
“The situation has not reached the point where we have had to move people due to displacement caused by floods. However, we have identified locations where we can provide shelter, and these shelter facilities are fully operational. We have not had to use them yet,” Umrao said.
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) teams have been deployed in specific areas and currently remain on high alert should the need for an emergency or rescue operation arise. 23 food shelters were established, while meals were distributed to families affected by the floods.
Support was provided to those who lost family members due to disasters caused by rainfall. Medical camps have been established, stray animals have been vaccinated, and relief activities are actively underway.
Heavy rain in Uttar Pradesh today and tomorrow
Rainfall forecast for 3 days from Tuesday to Friday morning.
(TWC Met Team)
Meanwhile, the Western Disturbance accompanied by monsoon rains remains active. Accordingly, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to fairly widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain (64.5mm-115.5mm) over eastern Uttar Pradesh during the next 48 hours (September 12 and 13).
A district-level red alert (meaning ‘take action’) has been issued for Kheri, Sitapur, Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda and Shravasti for today due to heavy rains and thunderstorms. Lucknow, Hardoi, Basti and Siddharthnagar will maintain orange alert (meaning ‘be prepared’) during this period.
Uttar Pradesh has already recorded a slight surplus in terms of rainfall this month, recording 81.3 mm (13% increase) from September 1 to September 11. The continuing spell of rainfall is likely to increase this number.
In addition, a flash flood is prevailing near the Ghaghara River, and the water level is expected to rise by 85-95 cm by early morning tomorrow. Caution must be taken while passing on the river bank.
(With inputs from TOI and IANS)
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