Heavy monsoon rains and flooding of rivers in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the western districts, has so far claimed more than six lives, while scores of residents in Moradabad, Bijnor, Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri districts have had to leave their homes due to floods. Continuous rains in Uttarakhand hills and in the State has led to rising water levels in Ganga, its tributaries and other rives in the State that has left many low lying areas inundated. As a result, residents had to leave their homes to move to higher ground. Various flood-related incidents have also claimed at least six lives so far.
Rising levels of Ram Ganga river, a tributary of Ganga river, has caused havoc in large parts of Moradabad and Rampur districts. Officials said two children were swept away in the river in Bhojpura area in Moradabad on Sunday, while in Bijnor a tonga loaded with people was swept away in Mahan river killing at least three while at least 10 others were reported missing.
Similarly, heavy release of water from Banbasa barrage on Indo-Nepal border in Uttarakhand into Sharda river has inundated many areas of Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri districts. This has affected road and rail transport in the region, while several far flung villages have also been cut off. Ghaghra river has also crossed the danger mark in Barabanki, while its levels were rising downstream in Ayodhya and Ballia. With weather department forecasting more rains in the State, woes of the people from floods, particularly of those living in catchment areas of major rivers, is likely to rise further.
