Heavy to Very Heavy Rain Expected to Continue Over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the next 24 hours.
- Rising river levels, including the Kosi and Kamla Balan, are aggravating flood conditions in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Flooding has disrupted infrastructure, submerged temples and ghats, and caused weather-related casualties across several districts.
- Another active spell of monsoon rain is likely from around July 26, keeping flood concerns alive through the end of the month.
- Forecast Validity: Next 5 to 7 days.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been witnessing intense monsoon activity over the last 48 hours, resulting in widespread rainfall, flooding, rising river levels and weather-related casualties. The active monsoon conditions are expected to persist during the next 24 hours, keeping the threat of floods and waterlogging alive across several districts.
On July 20, several parts of Uttar Pradesh recorded substantial rainfall, with Shahjahanpur receiving 125 mm, followed by Kheri at 65 mm and Bahraich at 57 mm. The rainfall activity continued on July 21 as well, with Aligarh recording 70 mm, Bahraich 56 mm, Kanpur 41 mm, Meerut 31 mm, Shahjahanpur 34 mm, Azamgarh 48 mm, Prayagraj 96 mm and Lucknow 19 mm.
The ongoing heavy rainfall over the Western Himalayan region has significantly influenced weather conditions across Uttar Pradesh. Excessive runoff from the hills, coupled with persistent monsoon currents, has aggravated flood conditions in many areas. Government hospitals in Firozabad and Unnao reportedly witnessed flooding, disrupting normal operations. In Shamli district, a canal bridge collapsed, causing the adjoining road to cave in by nearly 10 feet.
River levels across eastern Uttar Pradesh are rising steadily. Floodwaters have inundated several ghats in Varanasi and Prayagraj. The historic Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi has been submerged, while nearly 40 small temples located between Panchganga Ghat and adjoining areas have also been affected by the rising water levels.
The ongoing spell of heavy rainfall has also resulted in significant loss of life. More than 10 people have reportedly died in rain-related incidents and lightning strikes across the state. In Muzaffarnagar, five members of a family lost their lives after a house collapse. Two people died due to lightning in Prayagraj, while separate lightning incidents claimed one life each in Ballia and Chandauli districts.
Meanwhile, Bihar is also experiencing active monsoon conditions. On July 21, Basua recorded around 60 mm of rainfall, while Gaya received 40 mm.
Rising river levels are becoming a major concern in the state. The Kosi and Kamla Balan rivers are flowing above the danger mark in parts of Bihar, particularly affecting Darbhanga district. The release of water from the Kosi Barrage has further aggravated the flood situation, leading to inundation in more than 20 villages in Darbhanga.
The flood situation may worsen over the next 24 hours as heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Thereafter, Bihar may witness a brief reduction in rainfall activity during the next three to four days. However, weather models indicate another active spell of monsoon rain commencing around July 26, which may persist until the end of July, raising concerns of renewed flooding and waterlogging across the region.
Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow advisories issued by local authorities. People should avoid crossing flooded roads and stay indoors during thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Trending:
