Uttar Pradesh is witnessing the most severe monsoon devastation ever, which has completely disrupted normal life. So far 38 people have died due to continuous heavy rains for the last 40 hours. The Meteorological Department said that Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Kanpur Nagar, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, Rae Bareilly, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Firozabad, Auraiya, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Etawah are very heavy with thunderstorm and lightning. There is a possibility of heavy rain.
In the last 36 hours, more than 22 mm of rain has been recorded in various districts, while Lucknow has recorded 235 mm of rain.
Nine deaths have been reported from Barabanki alone, mostly due to house collapses, and widespread waterlogging, power and telecommunication disruptions.
Official sources said that 15 people died due to rain, while more than 10 people were injured in the accidents. At the same time, two children died due to electrocution in Lucknow.
In view of the forecast of the Meteorological Department, the state government has announced that all schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the state will remain closed on Friday and Saturday. However, the improvement examinations of the UP Board to be held from September 18 will be as per the schedule.
Heavy damage to crops has been reported mainly in the central districts of the state due to torrential rains, flooding several hospitals, police stations and even municipal offices in the state capital.
The Chief Minister has directed senior officers to visit their respective areas and ensure proper relief work. He has also asked the officials to assess the damage in each area to fix the compensation.
The situation is worst in Lucknow, where posh areas, including Mall Avenue and Raj Bhavan Colony, have been turned into canals and many vehicles have been submerged following incessant rains. About a dozen cars fell on unpaved roads, while more than 100 cars were damaged due to being submerged in water. More than 150 trees fell and 300 electric poles fell. Over 60 transformers malfunctioned in the state capital, causing major and prolonged power outages.
Road, rail and air traffic was also disrupted. The maximum temperature has dropped to 25 degrees Celsius, eight notches below normal. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the intensity of rain will start decreasing from Friday, but there is a possibility of light to moderate rain in the next 48 hours.
Relief Commissioner Ranveer Prasad said the meteorological department has issued an alert for Friday as well and the state machinery is gearing up to deal with the situation.
The Commissionerate of Police and District Magistrate in Lucknow has issued an advisory asking people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. People have been asked to stay away from electric poles and avoid potholed roads.
