Heavy rain and storms have caused widespread destruction across Uttar Pradesh, as at least 56 people have been killed and 46 injured in rain- and storm-related incidents so far during a heavy wet spell that started on September 25. More than 1,000 homes have been damaged, and high river levels are raising fears of flooding in several parts of the state.
According to data released by the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner’s office, 1,021 houses were damaged between September 25 and the morning of September 27. 107 animals were also killed, and crop damage was on the way, they added.
Sitapur reports the highest number of deaths
Sitapur was one of the worst-affected districts in terms of casualties, with seven deaths in the period. Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich and Balrampur reported five deaths each, while Ayodhya and Gorakhpur had four deaths each, according to officials.
Among the injuries, Hardoi had the highest number with seven cases and Mainpuri and Shravasti had five injuries each. Barabanki had four injuries, according to the state data.
The heavy rains also damaged residential structures in several districts. Hardoi reported 272 damaged houses, followed by Sitapur with 108 and Chandauli, Auraiya, Gonda, Hamirpur, Shahjahanpur and Bahraich.
Excessive Rainfall Across UP
The magnitude of the rainfall was significantly above normal levels. Uttar Pradesh received 97.6 mm of rain in 48 hours from September 25 morning to September 27 morning, compared to an average of 4.5 mm for the entire period from September 25 morning to September 27 morning, officials said, according to Hindustan Times.
More than 56 of Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts experienced excessive rainfall. Farrukhabad was the farthest from normal rainfall, followed by Kannauj, Shahjahanpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba.
The weather system responsible for the intense spell weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area and provided some relief from rainfall. But the situation remained very much to be monitored because river levels were rising in some areas.
Flood Threat Intensifies
The continued rise in river levels has raised fears of a worsened flood situation in low-lying areas. Many roads and villages were flooded and trees and power lines were blown over in different parts of the state.
Rescue teams have been put in place in waterlogged areas to move stranded residents to safer areas. Authorities have also told people to be alert and continue relief and damage-assessment efforts.
The Central Water Commission has separately reported severe conditions at several river monitoring stations across several states, while rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Narmada have risen above danger levels at different monitoring points.
Situation Remains Fluid
The 56 deaths were the official figure and came through by the morning of September 27. In late reports on Sunday night, the Uttar Pradesh toll had risen to 81, with 62 wounded and 2,254 houses damaged in the last three days, a sign that the disaster assessment was changing rapidly.
Damage assessments are ongoing, and the final impacts of the rainfall might become clearer in the coming days. The rescue operation still continues, relief distribution is being carried out, and river-level monitoring of damage to homes and crops is being done.
