Rains continue, rivers flowing close to danger mark in UP

Lucknow, Jul 20: With southwest monsoon remaining active and rains and thundershowers lashing various parts of Uttar Pradesh, major rivers of the state such as the Sharda and the Ghaghra are flowing above the 'red' mark at Palia Kalan and Elgin Bridge.

According to the Met office, a few places in the eastern parts of the state witnessed light to moderate rains or thundershowers today whereas, there was heavy rain at isolated places of the eastern as well as western parts.

Lalganj recorded 10 cm rains, followed by Maharajganj (9 cm), Zamania (8 cm), Kakerdharighat, Mohammadabad, Basti (5 cm each), Phulpur, Bhinga, Dudhi (4 cm each), Katerniaghat, Salempur, Ghazipur, Bansgaon, Chandradeepghat, Pharenda and Sultanpur (3 cm each).

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Sharda was flowing above the 'red' mark at Palia Kalan and close to the danger mark at Shardanagar. The Ghaghra has crossed the danger mark at Elgin Bridge and Ayodhya, while the Rapti at Balrampur and the Kuano at Chandradeepghat and Basti were flowing very close to the 'red' mark.

The Ganga and the Yamuna were also flowing close to the danger mark at Fatehgarh, Ballia and Mathura respectively. State Irrigation Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav reviewed the flood preparedness in 25 districts and alerted the officials concerned.

A report from Barabanki said Ghaghra waters have entered about 25 villages and the residents of five villages in Tikait Nagar have started leaving for safer areas. The district administration has stepped up relief and rescue measures and is working round-the-clock to help the locals.

The Met office has forecast heavy to very heavy rain over isolated places in the state tomorrow.

PTI