UP on Red Alert as Heavy Rain, Flood Threat Looms

• IMD issues red alert for several UP districts.
• Heavy to very heavy rain forecast through September 27.
• Flash floods, lightning and strong winds remain key risks.
• Schools may remain closed in red-alert and flood-prone areas.

GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 26th Sept: Uttar Pradesh is bracing for intense rainfall over the next two days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for several districts and warning of heavy to very heavy rain, including isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall.

The state government has placed district administrations on high alert till September 27 amid the possibility of flash floods, waterlogging, lightning and strong winds.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district magistrates in affected areas to maintain heightened vigilance, inspect field-level arrangements and ensure prompt assistance to families affected by excessive rainfall and lightning.

Schools in districts under red alert and facing the possibility of flash floods have been ordered to remain closed. Officials have also been asked to assess rainfall- and lightning-related damage and provide assistance to affected families within 24 hours.

Eastern UP to face intense rainfall
According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in eastern Uttar Pradesh on September 25 and 26, while western Uttar Pradesh may experience similar conditions on September 26. Extremely heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations.

The weather system developed after a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the southern Odisha coast and moved northwest. It is expected to weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area.

The IMD has warned that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods in some watersheds. Strong surface winds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts of around 50 kmph, are also expected, while isolated areas could experience gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph and occasionally 60 kmph.

Rain and thundershowers are likely at many places in western Uttar Pradesh and most places in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Temperatures are also expected to decline by 4-7 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours.

Lucknow records 50.6 mm rainfall
Lucknow is expected to witness overcast skies, intermittent rain and thunderstorms, along with strong winds. The maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at around 24°C and 22°C, respectively.

Lucknow recorded 50.6 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Friday.

Several other districts also received significant rainfall, including Banda (146 mm), Bahraich (103.6 mm), Barabanki (62.4 mm), Hamirpur (54 mm), Hardoi (37 mm), Lakhimpur Kheri (35 mm), Shahjahanpur (33.8 mm) and Kanpur city (32.2 mm).

Airport issues passenger advisory
The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow has advised passengers to allow additional travel time because intensified rainfall could lead to traffic congestion and delays.

The airport authorities said the Lucknow International Airport Limited team was monitoring the situation round the clock and preparing for possible operational disruptions.

Authorities step up flood preparedness
Relief Commissioner Dr Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod reviewed preparedness with district magistrates of red- and orange-alert districts through a video conference.

Authorities have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance in flood- and waterlogging-prone areas and keep relief and rescue arrangements operational.

District administrations have also been asked to disseminate weather warnings through public address systems and local communication channels and maintain contact with residents in vulnerable areas.

People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and heavy rain, stay away from rivers and water bodies, and avoid open areas, trees, orchards and parks during lightning.

Officials have been authorised to take decisions on closure of educational institutions and non-essential services based on local weather conditions and public safety requirements.