Uttar Pradesh is likely to experience intense rainfall over the next 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for several districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at many places, while isolated areas may receive extremely heavy showers.
The state government has placed district administrations on alert until September 27, urging officials to closely monitor the situation and prepare for possible flash floods.
Yogi Adityanath Orders School Closures in Alert Districts
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district magistrates in the affected areas to remain vigilant and personally inspect the arrangements in view of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and the threat of flash floods.
The Chief Minister has also ordered schools to remain closed in districts under a red alert or facing a possible flash flood threat.
Authorities have been instructed to take necessary precautions to protect residents and respond quickly to weather-related emergencies.
Six Killed, 117 Houses Damaged Due to Heavy Rain
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds have caused significant damage across Uttar Pradesh, claiming six lives and damaging at least 117 houses and standing crops.
According to officials, the state received 19 times its normal rainfall during the 24 hours ending Saturday morning. As many as 63 districts recorded above-normal rainfall.
Police said five people died in three separate incidents involving the collapse of mud walls, while another person was killed after a roadside tree fell on him. The deaths were reported from Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi and Barabanki.
In Lakhimpur Kheri, three members of a family lost their lives after the mud wall of their hut collapsed while they were sleeping in Rahmat Nagar village early Saturday.
IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Warning for Eastern UP
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Rain and thundershowers are also expected to continue across several parts of the state on Sunday.
A depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north Chhattisgarh is moving north-northwest towards southeast Uttar Pradesh. At 5:30 am on Saturday, the weather system was located around 230 km south of Prayagraj.
According to the IMD, the system is expected to remain a depression while moving towards southeast Uttar Pradesh until Saturday evening. It is then likely to gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area over the following 12 hours.
The weather department has warned of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in the central Terai region. Some drainage basins in central and Terai Uttar Pradesh also face a light to moderate risk of flash floods over the next 24 hours.
Lucknow Receives Over 125 mm of Rainfall
Heavy showers have caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions in several parts of Lucknow.
The city recorded 125.8 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am on Friday and 5:30 am on Saturday, according to the weather data provided.
Rain and strong winds have also affected movement in Ayodhya, including areas around Ram Path, the Ram temple, Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu riverfront.
The adverse weather has also affected agricultural activities, with farmers in rural areas reporting damage to standing crops. Strong winds and heavy rainfall have flattened crops in several locations, raising concerns among farmers.
