Monsoon havoc in UP on August 17, ‘Orange’ alert issued in 26 districts and ‘Yellow alert’ issued in 31; See IMD’s warning before leaving home

Monsoon has become fully active in Uttar Pradesh and the clouds have taken a formidable form. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and lightning over most parts of the state on August 17. Due to the active cyclonic circulation and monsoon trough in the weather system of the state, the Meteorological Department has issued ‘Orange Alert’ for 26 districts and ‘Yellow Alert’ for 31 districts. Due to continuous torrential rains, the problem of waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising water level of rivers and disruption of traffic has deepened.

Danger of heavy to very heavy rain in 26 districts with orange alert

According to the Meteorological Center Lucknow, the maximum impact of clouds will be seen in 26 major districts of the state, where there is a possibility of strong winds at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour and lightning along with torrential rains. These districts include Rampur, Moradabad, Sambhal, Bareilly, Badaun, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Hardoi, Bahraich, Shravasti, Gonda, Barabanki, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Fatehpur, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Sant Ravidas Nagar. (Bhadohi) and Basti. Residents of these areas have been advised to avoid going out in the open without any essential work.

Fear of thunder and lightning in 31 districts under yellow alert

‘Yellow alert’ has been made effective in 31 districts including the capital Lucknow. In these areas, intermittent heavy rain and lightning accompanied by thunder may occur. Yellow alert districts include Lucknow, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Farrukhabad, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Amroha, Amethi, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Balrampur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Chitrakoot, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Siddharthnagar, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Deoria, Kushinagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda, Kannauj and Auraiya are included. The Meteorological Department has also instructed the local administration of these districts to remain alert.

Weather patterns changed due to monsoon trough and cyclonic circulation

According to meteorologists, the monsoon trough line is currently passing over UP towards the north from its normal position. Along with this, due to the intense cyclonic circulation in the lower and middle levels of the atmosphere, moisture is continuously coming from the Bay of Bengal. Due to this strong weather system, there is a strong possibility that intermittent thunder and heavy rains will continue across Uttar Pradesh for the next 48 to 72 hours.

Waterlogging in urban areas and increase in water level of rivers.

While on one hand there has been relief from the sultry heat due to continuous rains, on the other hand normal life has become disrupted. In many big cities, heavy waterlogging is being seen in main roads, colonies and underpasses, due to which the speed of traffic has slowed down. On the other hand, the water level of major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu and Ghaghra is increasing rapidly, due to which there is a danger of flood like situation in the coastal and low-lying areas.

Administration Advisory: Take these precautions before going out

The Disaster Management and Meteorological Department has issued important safety advisories for the general public:

1. Do not take shelter in old, dilapidated houses, weak walls and under big trees during rain and strong storm.

2. During lightning, maintain a safe distance from open fields, fields, water sources and electric poles and transformers.

3. Unplug electronic devices at home and drive slowly on waterlogged roads.

4. Farmer brothers, avoid working in the fields openly and spraying pesticides until the weather clears.

5. Before setting out on a journey, check the traffic and weather updates on your route and keep the administrative helpline numbers with you.