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The monsoon has taken a fierce form across Uttar Pradesh, with incessant heavy rainfall severely disrupting normal life throughout the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for 68 districts of the state. Major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Rapti, Saryu, and Gomti, along with several smaller rivers, are flowing near or above the danger mark, deepening the flood crisis in low-lying areas.
173 Villages Across 13 Districts Reel Under Floods
According to a state government report, 13 districts—including Budaun, Bahraich, Ballia, Barabanki, Bijnor, Farrukhabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Gonda, Kasganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Muzaffarnagar, Sitapur, and Unnao—are severely affected by floods. Approximately 84,362 people have been impacted, and around 13,058 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged. Vegetable crops cultivated in riverbanks have been completely destroyed, leaving farmers fearing heavy financial losses.
Low-Pressure Area Triggers Heavy Downpours
According to Atul Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, a low-pressure area formed over southeastern Uttar Pradesh is the primary driver of this intense rainfall. Under its influence, an “orange alert” has been issued for the Bundelkhand districts of Jhansi, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Lalitpur. Meanwhile, a “yellow alert” for heavy rain is active in Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, and Fatehpur. This spell of rain is expected to continue across various parts of the state.
School Closures and Impact on Daily Life
In view of continuous rain and severe waterlogging, local administrations have taken precautionary measures. Schools up to Class 12 have been closed in Prayagraj, Gonda, Kaushambi, Ghazipur, and Bhadohi, while holidays have been declared for classes up to Class 8 in Jaunpur, Sonbhadra (Sonbhadra), and Mirzapur.
Flood Fury from Prayagraj to Varanasi
The situation remains critical in Prayagraj, where floodwaters have entered residential areas, destroying household goods. Waterlogging on three railway tracks and inside offices at Rambagh Railway Station has disrupted operations. Taking strict cognizance of the waterlogging, the Allahabad High Court summoned the District Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner of Prayagraj. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, rising water levels of the Ganga have submerged over 100 temples. With water reaching the cremation grounds at Manikarnika and Harischandra Ghats, cremations are now being conducted on upper levels, and the famous Ganga Aarti is being performed from rooftops.
Relief and Rescue Operations on War Footing
According to Relief Commissioner Rishikesh Bhaskar Yashoda, the state government is closely monitoring the situation. A total of 1,589 flood posts and 1,263 flood relief shelters have been set up across the state, out of which 41 shelters are active, housing 1,045 people. So far, 4,845 people have been shifted to safe locations. To assist those affected, 428 boats and motorboats along with 1,101 local divers have been deployed. The administration has distributed over 15,000 food packets, and the helpline number 1070 remains active for emergencies.
