Water released from MP, U'Khand, Nepal worsens UP flood situation

Lucknow, Aug 23: Flood situation today worsened in Uttar Pradesh due to release of water from Nepal and adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttrakhand which led to further rise in water levels of major rivers.

According to Central Water Commission (CWC), the Ganga is flowing above the danger marks at Fafamau and Chhatnag (both in Allahabad) besides in Mirzapur, Varanasi, Ghazipur and Ballia. In Ballia, the Ganga's water level has risen to a dangerous level of 60.31 metres, which is about three metres above the red mark, it said.

Similarly, river Yamuna is flowing above the red marks at Kalpi, Chillaghat (Banda), Hamirpur and Naini (Allahabad) while Betwa river is flowing above the danger mark at Hamirpur, and Sharda river at Palliakalan (Kheri).

Flood waters spread to new areas in the state after the water was released, officials said. According to the MET office, south-west monsoon has been active over Eastern Uttar Pradesh and light to moderate rain or thundershower occured at isolated places over the western parts.

Chief amount of rainfall was recorded at Dudhi (10 cm), Chunar (9 cm) Mirzapur, Baberu, Mirzapur (6 cm each), Meja, Allahabad, Churk, Rasra (5 cm each), Phoolpur (4 cm) and Robertsgan, Karvi, Dalmau, Sultanpur (3 cm each). Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the divisional commissioners and district magistrates concerned to help flood victims on war footing.

Officers have been asked not to sanction leaves of employees involved in relief works unless it's urgent. Chief Secretary, Deepak Singhal said flood relief amount of Rs 23.84 crore have been sanctioned by the government till now.

PTI