28 Dead as Heavy Rain Continues to Devastate Uttar Pradesh; Red Alert in Six Districts
Heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has caused widespread destruction, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the lives of 28 people. The region has been battered by heavy rains for the past three days, with the worst-hit districts being Barabanki and Gonda. As a precautionary measure, a red alert has been issued in six districts, including Barabanki and Gonda, as the rain shows no signs of abating.
Over the past 48 hours, seven districts in the state have recorded over 100 mm of rainfall, while 10 other districts have experienced 50 mm of rain. Some areas in Bahraich and Barabanki have even received more than 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours alone.
Of the nine recent fatalities, five were attributed to lightning strikes, two to excessive rainfall, and one to drowning. These deaths occurred in various districts such as Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Sitapur, Sultanpur, and Budaun.
The situation remains grim as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc. A red alert has been sounded in Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shrawasti, Sitapur, Barabanki, and Gonda, while four other districts – Hardoi, Basti, Lucknow, and Siddharthnagar – are under an orange alert. As a result of the ongoing downpour, schools in some districts remained closed, including Gonda and Barabanki. However, Lucknow reopened its schools as the weather cleared up.
Barabanki has been severely affected, with several localities submerged and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) stepping in to evacuate 1,500 residents to safety. Relief efforts are underway, with authorities distributing relief materials and using mini boats to rescue those stranded by the floods.
In Gonda, heavy rains led to flooding in low-lying areas, including the premises of the district hospital. Additionally, a lightning strike in Tarabganj tehsil resulted in the death of two buffaloes.
While all embankments in the state remain secure, the water level in the Sharda river at Palia Kalan is nearing the danger mark. The RamGanga river in Moradabad and the Son river at Bansagar in Mirzapur are also experiencing rising water levels. To tackle any potential emergencies, the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in various districts.
Relief work is in progress, with food packets, food grains, tarpaulin sheets, and women dignity kits being distributed among affected families. Medical and animal husbandry teams have also been deployed to provide necessary assistance.
With the situation being closely monitored, the state emergency operation center and a helpline are operational 24/7 at the Relief Commissioner’s office. The districts have already received advanced funds to carry out relief and rehabilitation work.
As the heavy rains persist, the people of Uttar Pradesh are facing immense challenges. The government continues to lead relief efforts, aiming to provide support to those affected and mitigate further damage caused by the incessant downpour.
