Uttar Pradesh reports 56 deaths as heavy rain causes flooding in eight districts

Fifty-six people have died in Uttar Pradesh since Friday after powerful thunderstorms and heavy rain caused flooding and other rain-related incidents, officials said on Sunday. At least eight districts were facing flood-like conditions after three days of intense rainfall. The State received 45.1 millimetres of rain in the 24 hours ending Sunday, compared with a normal figure of 1.8 millimetres.

The highest number of deaths during the 60-hour period was reported in Sitapur. Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Balrampur, Ayodhya and Gorakhpur were also among the affected districts. Officials said 1,021 houses had been damaged.

Residents of flood-affected areas were moved to relief centres and shelter homes, according to the office of the Relief Commissioner. The State government said water levels in the Ghagra and Rapti rivers were rising at several monitoring stations, increasing the risk to low-lying areas. At Elginbridge in Barabanki, the Ghagra stood at 106.14 metres at 8 a.m.

on Sunday, above its danger level of 106.07 metres. Authorities forecast that it could rise to 106.55 metres by Sunday night. In Ayodhya, the river level was 92.39 metres, above the warning level of 91.73 metres, and was expected to reach 92.85 metres.

Field officials were instructed to assess damage to crops and provide compensation to affected farmers as soon as possible. The State government directed officials to provide immediate relief and assistance, including compensation for deaths and livestock losses caused by excessive rainfall. It also ordered prompt compensation for eligible residents whose houses collapsed.

The government said the Chief Minister had instructed officials to conduct relief operations with full seriousness so affected families would not face additional hardship.