- Six people died in rain-related incidents across Uttar Pradesh.
- Over 100 houses damaged; widespread waterlogging and crop losses.
- IMD forecasts more rain; schools closed, districts on high alert.
Uttar Pradesh Weather Update: Six people were killed in rain-related incidents and over 100 houses were damaged across Uttar Pradesh as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds wreaked havoc in the state.
According to news agency PTI, citing officials, the state received 19 times its normal rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 63 districts recording rainfall significantly above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely to continue. Rain and thundershowers may persist at several places on Sunday.
ALSO READ: Char Dham Yatra Halted For 2 Days As Uttarakhand Faces Heavy Rain, Red Alerts | Forecast
Weather System Triggers Record Rainfall Across UP
The sudden spell stems from a depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north Chhattisgarh, which moved north-northwestwards toward southeast Uttar Pradesh. The IMD said that the system is likely to remain a depression while moving toward southeast Uttar Pradesh till Saturday evening before gradually weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area over the following 12 hours.
District-Wise Rainfall Data
- Farrukhabad: Recorded 200 times its normal rainfall.
- Kanpur Nagar: Received 160 times its normal rainfall.
- Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, and Hardoi: Recorded 130 times their normal rainfall.
- Lucknow: Recorded 125.8 mm of rainfall in the 21 hours ending Saturday morning.
Six Killed, Over 100 Houses Damaged Across UP
Police said five people were killed in three separate incidents of mud-wall collapses and one man killed by a falling tree. All casualties were reported from Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi, and Barabanki districts.
In Lakhimpur Kheri's Rahmat Nagar village, three members of a family died after a mud wall collapsed while they were asleep. In Amethi's Balbhadrapur village, 32-year-old Usha Devi was killed in a similar wall collapse.
In Barabanki, 38-year-old Sunita Devi died after a mud wall collapsed in Gopalpur village, while 45-year-old Sanjay Verma was killed on the spot when a roadside tree fell on him in Chheda Bazar village.
Heavy rain also damaged over 100 houses across the state, leaving many families displaced.
Widespread Waterlogging And Crop Losses
Continuous downpours caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions at several places. In Ayodhya, heavy rain and strong winds affected movement around Ram Path, the Ram Temple, Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, and the Saryu riverbanks. Devotees and local residents struggled to move in open spaces.
In rural areas, farmers reported damage to standing crops due to strong winds and rain, with several crops falling to the ground. Farmers expressed concern that prolonged rain and strong winds could increase crop loss.
District Administrations Put On High Alert
The state government has placed district administrations on high alert and identified several districts vulnerable to sudden flooding, including Azamgarh, Ballia, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Basti, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Gonda, Hardoi, Lucknow, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Amethi, Kaushambi, and Chitrakoot. Schools have been ordered to remain closed in districts under a red alert or facing flash flood threats.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed District Magistrates in affected regions to maintain high vigilance and inspect vulnerable areas. Relief and rescue agencies have been asked to remain prepared for any eventuality, while district administrations have been instructed to issue continuous weather warnings.
Advisory Issued For Public
Authorities have strongly advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and stay away from trees, open fields, and water bodies during thunderstorms and lightning.
(With Inputs From PTI)