Uttar Pradesh orders rapid rainfall damage assessments as alerts continue

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to assess damage caused by heavy rainfall and lightning within 24 hours and provide assistance to affected families. The order came as weather warnings, including red alerts and the possibility of flash floods, remained in force in parts of the State. According to a State government statement, District Magistrates in affected districts were asked to maintain special vigilance and visit the field.

Schools are to remain closed in districts under red alert and facing the possibility of flash floods. Officials were also told to take safety measures for people living in dilapidated houses and huts. Such residents should be moved to the nearest relief shelter when necessary, the statement said.

Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod reviewed the weather situation and preparations in a video conference with District Magistrates of districts under red and orange alerts. He instructed them to monitor local conditions continuously and respond immediately to emergencies. Heavy rain with thunder, lightning and strong winds was forecast in eastern Uttar Pradesh on September 27.

Similar conditions were expected in western Uttar Pradesh. Red-alert districts included Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur. Authorities were told to keep security, relief and rescue agencies ready in watershed areas where flash floods were possible.

The Relief Commissioner instructed officials to disseminate warnings and safety advice through public-address systems, local communication channels and other available resources. During strong winds and lightning, people should be prevented from going into open spaces or near trees, orchards and parks, the instructions said. Officials were also told to ensure that nobody was forced to remain outdoors and to act immediately when required.

The government statement said the administration’s responsibility was to protect life and property, with District Magistrates expected to remain in the field and maintain communication with the public.