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The Meteorological Department has issued a serious warning along with relief for the people struggling with the humid heat in Uttar Pradesh. The monsoon which was lagging in the state has once again become active with full force. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Zonal Meteorological Centre, Lucknow has issued a severe alert of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorm and lightning over many parts of the state during the next four days (96 hours).
According to meteorologists, due to active cyclonic circulation in the atmosphere and northward shift of the monsoon trough, dense monsoon clouds have started gathering in the entire state. In view of the seriousness of the situation, the department has issued ‘Orange Alert’ in 12 sensitive districts and asked the local administration and citizens to be completely alert, while ‘Yellow Alert’ has been implemented in 19 other districts. There is also a strong possibility of strong gusty winds at a speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
‘Orange alert’ in 12 districts: possibility of torrential rain like cloudburst
In the 12 districts where the Meteorological Department has issued ‘Orange Alert’, extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 200 mm is expected within 24 hours. These areas remain at the highest risk of intense thunderstorms (thunder and lightning) along with heavy rains.
Major districts under Orange Alert:
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Terai and Eastern Uttar Pradesh: Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria and Gorakhpur.
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Purvanchal and Central Region: Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar and Gonda.
There is every possibility of sudden rise in the water level of rivers in these districts, cutting of rural roads and water logging in urban areas. The Meteorological Department has especially instructed the administration of the Terai areas bordering Nepal to be on alert mode, as the excess water from the rain in the hilly areas can cause spate in the plain rivers like Ghaghra, Rapti, Rohini and Sharda.
‘Yellow alert’ in 19 districts: Heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning
Apart from the orange alert districts, the weather center has issued ‘yellow alert’ of moderate to heavy rain in 19 other districts of the state. Intermittent torrential rains and incidents of lightning accompanied by thunder may occur in these districts.
Major districts affected by yellow alert:
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Awadh and Central UP: Capital Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Sitapur and Hardoi.
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Eastern and Southern UP: Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Amethi, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau and Ballia.
Citizens of these districts have been advised to avoid unnecessary travels and take shelter in safe places in case of inclement weather. Stopping in the open or near weak structures can be risky.
Science of weather system: Why did monsoon suddenly become active?
According to weather experts, the reason behind the current seasonal movement is the simultaneous activation of two large atmospheric systems. First, the low-pressure area formed in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal has moved towards the west-northwest direction, due to which monsoon winds carrying heavy amounts of moisture are entering eastern and central India.
Second, the Monsoon Trough has risen above its normal position and is currently passing through the middle of Uttar Pradesh. Along with this, an upper air cyclonic pressure area is formed over south-western Uttar Pradesh. When humid easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal and westerly winds from the Arabian Sea collide in the sky over central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, it results in the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds, which cause sudden heavy rain and lightning.
Impact on agriculture and urban life: Sanjeevani for farmers, waterlogging a menace for cities.
Two different aspects of this torrential rain are emerging. This rain is no less than a boon for rural and agricultural areas. There was a dire need of water in the fields, especially for paddy (rice), sugarcane, maize and Kharif pulse crops. This rain will give new life to the drying paddy plants waiting for rain for a long time, which is bringing a wave of happiness on the faces of the farmers. However, there is concern about some damage to sugarcane and banana crops due to strong winds.
On the other hand, this rain can become a disaster in urban areas. In densely populated cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi, poor condition of the drainage system can lead to 2 to 3 feet of water on the roads, traffic jams and drowning of vehicles in underpasses. Apart from this, the risk of power supply disruption has also increased in many localities due to falling electric poles and short circuits in transformers.
Relief and disaster management system ready: SDRF and helpline activated
In view of the serious situation in the next 4 days, Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner’s office has instructed all the concerned District Magistrates (DM), Superintendents of Police (SP) and Municipal Corporation Commissioners to keep a 24-hour vigil.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been put on alert in sensitive districts. Flood posts have been activated and arrangements for boats and relief material are being ensured in the low-lying areas. The district administration has issued 24-hour emergency control room numbers so that in case of any untoward incident or waterlogging, relief teams can reach the spot immediately.
Life-saving safety tips to protect yourself from lightning
Loss of life due to lightning during monsoon in Uttar Pradesh is a matter of serious concern. The Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Authority have issued the following strict guidelines for common citizens and farmers:
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Never take shelter under trees: Whenever you hear lightning or loud thunder in the sky, never stand under any big or lonely tree. Trees are the largest natural conductors of electricity.
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Farmers working in open fields should immediately go to a safe place: Farmers working in the fields should immediately go under a permanent house or shed as soon as the weather turns bad. If no shelter is available, then sit in a crouching position with both the legs together and place the head on the knees. Never lie straight on the ground.
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Stop using electronic devices: When inside the house, remove the plugs of TV, fridge, computer etc. from the wall socket. Do not use wired phones and stay away from windows and doors.
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Distance from metal objects and water sources: Immediately move away from iron poles, wire fences, hand pumps and ponds or puddles as water and metal attract electricity rapidly.
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Use ‘Damini App’: Download ‘Damini App’ developed by Government of India in your mobile. This app issues alerts with exact location 20 to 30 minutes before lightning strikes, which makes it possible to save lives.
For the next four days, the people of the state have been appealed to keep an eye on every weather update and completely follow the precautions given by the local administration.