Flood engulf 600 villages in Uttar Pradesh, 54 people die in rain-related incidents

New Delhi: In a grim turn of events, Uttar Pradesh has been battling severe floods and rain-related tragedies over the past 24 hours, leaving a devastating impact across the state. According to reports from the relief commissioner’s office, the toll from these calamities has been staggering.

A total of 54 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, including lightning strikes, drowning, and snake bites. The casualties include 43 deaths from lightning strikes across 10 districts, with Pratapgarh bearing the brunt with 14 fatalities, followed by Sultanpur with 7 deaths. Additionally, 9 people drowned in four districts, with Fatehpur and Pratapgarh each recording 3 deaths.

Flooding across districts

Incessant rainfall in various districts coupled with the swelling of major rivers has resulted in flooding across 16 districts. The affected districts include Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Kushinagar, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Basti, Shahjahanpur, Barabanki, Sitapur, Siddharthnagar, Ballia, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Azamgarh.

The floodwaters have disrupted the lives of over 18 lakh residents living in 923 villages across the state. The worst-hit areas include Lakhimpur Kheri where 1,79,293 people in 250 villages have been affected, followed by Pilibhit, Shravasti, and Balrampur districts.

Rescue and relief efforts

In response to the crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) flood units have been actively engaged in rescue operations in six districts. These efforts have resulted in the evacuation of 10,996 people to safer locations.

River levels above danger mark

Several rivers, including Sharda, Ghaghra, Rapti, Budhi Rapti, and Kuwano, have swelled beyond danger levels in various districts, exacerbating the flood situation. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation as rivers continue to rise, posing a threat to nearby communities.

As the state grapples with these unprecedented challenges, efforts are underway to provide relief and support to those affected, with a focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in flood-hit areas.