New Delhi: Heavy rainfall affected normal life across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, with several areas witnessing waterlogging, flooding and damage caused by strong winds and thunderstorms.
In Uttarakhand, the adverse weather conditions forced authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra until September 27. Uttar Pradesh was particularly affected by a depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north Chhattisgarh. The weather system was moving north-northwest towards southeast Uttar Pradesh, bringing heavy rain to several parts of the state.
As many as 63 districts in Uttar Pradesh recorded above-normal rainfall, while some areas faced a moderate risk of flash floods.
Six People Killed in Rain-Related Incidents in UP
Six people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents in Uttar Pradesh. All the reported fatalities occurred in Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi and Barabanki districts.
Heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds also damaged standing crops and more than 100 houses in different parts of the state. According to officials, Uttar Pradesh received 19 times its normal rainfall during the 24-hour period.
Lucknow recorded 125.8 mm of rain in the 21 hours ending Saturday morning. Farrukhabad received 200 times its normal rainfall, while Kanpur Nagar recorded 160 times the normal amount. Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat and Hardoi each received 130 times their normal rainfall.
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Jharkhand
Jharkhand also experienced intense rainfall, leaving low-lying areas flooded and disrupting road traffic. Several rivers rose above their danger levels, while waterlogged roads left vehicles stranded in different locations.
At least six flights, including three arrivals and three departures, were cancelled at Birsa Munda Airport because of the bad weather, an official said.
Schools were closed in several districts, including Ranchi and Jamshedpur, following directions from the respective district administrations.
In East Singhbhum, the Subernarekha River was flowing 2.02 metres above the danger level, while the Kharkai River was 4.50 metres above the danger mark.
The water level at Ranchi’s Kanke Dam, also known as Gonda Dam, reached 27.05 feet, against its capacity of 28 feet. Water levels also increased significantly at the Hatia and Getalsud dams in Ranchi, according to an official.
Char Dham Yatra Suspended Again in Uttarakhand
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has once again been temporarily suspended because of unfavorable weather. The pilgrimage was halted on Saturday and will remain suspended until September 27.
The yatra has already faced several interruptions this year because of adverse weather conditions. Schools were also closed in five districts after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued Red and Orange alerts for several parts of the state.
Heavy rain was reported across most areas, while higher-altitude locations experienced intermittent snowfall. Officials said there were no reports of casualties or major damage in the state so far.
Kinnaur Receives Season’s First Snowfall
Himachal Pradesh’s tribal district of Kinnaur recorded its first snowfall of the season. The Kuno Charang area under Pooh tehsil received snowfall during the day, while other parts of Kinnaur experienced rainfall.
Light rain was also reported in several areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla and Dharamshala.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast continued rainfall across the state until September 29, after which the intensity is expected to decline. Light rain may continue in the middle hills, while dry conditions are expected in the plains as well as the low and high hills until October 2.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the weather information provided at the time of writing. Weather conditions and official advisories can change quickly. Readers should refer to the India Meteorological Department and local authorities for the latest weather alerts, travel advisories and safety instructions.