Uttar Pradesh is grappling with early floods across 20 districts, spurred by heavy rainfall in the Himalayan range and neighbouring regions, as reported by the relief commissioner’s office. The onset of monsoon from June to mid-July has seen significant inundation affecting districts including Lakhimpur Kheri, Balrampur, Kushinagar, and others, with over 14.8 lakh people affected in 1,571 villages.
The flooding, attributed to intensified downpours in Nepal and the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, has submerged approximately 2.76 hectares in the Gangetic plains. Last year, a similar weather pattern inundated 11 districts of UP, impacting over 19,000 individuals, indicating a recurring trend of early monsoon floods affecting the state. Officials highlighted the proactive measures taken this year, including real-time monitoring of weather patterns in the Himalayan region to anticipate flood risks. By closely tracking weather reports from Nepal and upstream areas, authorities were able to issue timely alerts, facilitating preemptive measures that prevented loss of life despite the widespread flooding.Reflecting on the readiness efforts, the department disclosed the pre-positioning of 3,353 boats for swift rescue operations, alongside the distribution of 63,000 food packets and 50,000 ration packets to affected communities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported normal rainfall in UP, with predictions indicating potential heavy rainfall in the latter half of July or early August.
Manish Ranalkar, Met director in Lucknow, underscored the significance of these forecasts in guiding preparedness strategies and mitigating flood-related risks. He noted that while the current rainfall levels were within normal range, vigilance remained crucial due to anticipated weather patterns in the coming weeks. The evolving weather dynamics and their impact on Uttar Pradesh highlight the imperative for robust disaster management strategies, emphasizing early warning systems and coordinated response efforts across the state. As authorities continue to monitor and respond to changing weather patterns, the focus remains on safeguarding communities and minimizing the impact of natural disasters through proactive measures and strategic planning.
