UP Rains: Schools Shut, Boat Services Halted Amid Alerts

Continuous heavy rainfall has thrown life out of gear in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, leading to widespread waterlogging, school closures, suspended boat services, and urgent relief measures by the state government. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting isolated heavy rainfall across the state until August 6, authorities are on high alert to prevent further damage and manage the worsening situation.

Schools Closed Across Lucknow Amid Persistent Rainfall

As a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, all government and private schools from Classes 1 to 12 in Lucknow remained closed on Monday, August 4, following an official order by District Magistrate (DM) Visakh G Iyer. The closure was announced after relentless downpours resulted in waterlogging across several parts of the city, raising concerns about transportation safety for school children and potential health hazards.

Traffic disruptions were reported across multiple routes in Lucknow, making commuting extremely challenging for residents. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may extend school closures if adverse weather conditions persist in the coming days.

Varanasi Submerged as Ganga Water Levels Rise Alarmingly

In Varanasi, the situation worsened as rising water levels of the River Ganga submerged several low-lying areas, forcing residents to navigate knee-deep water. Streets turned into streams in multiple localities, disrupting daily life and heightening fears of urban flooding.

Boat services on the Ganga were completely suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents amid strong river currents and rising water levels. This suspension has affected both local transportation and religious activities dependent on boat operations along the ghats.

Statewide Relief Measures Initiated by CM Yogi Adityanath

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued urgent directives to intensify relief and rescue operations in all flood-hit districts. He instructed ministers in charge of affected areas to personally visit their assigned districts, inspect relief camps, assess damages, and provide immediate support to impacted families.

In a statement released on Saturday, Adityanath emphasized the need for “sensitivity, speed, and transparency” in managing the crisis. He warned that any negligence in relief efforts would not be tolerated, stressing strict accountability for all officials involved.

Senior administrative officers, including district magistrates (DMs), superintendents of police (SPs), and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), have been ordered to remain on the ground 24/7 to oversee rescue operations and provide real-time updates to the state government.

Deployment of Ministerial Teams to 12 Flood-Hit Districts

To ensure swift and coordinated action, an 11-member ministerial team has been assigned to oversee relief efforts in 12 flood-affected districts. These ministers will work directly with district authorities, ensuring that relief material, medical supplies, and rehabilitation measures reach the affected population without delay.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to focus on:

• Immediate distribution of food and clean drinking water

• Maintaining high-quality standards for all relief supplies

• Ensuring proper sanitation in temporary shelters and relief camps

• Special care for women, children, and the elderly

• Strengthening embankments to prevent further breaches and flooding

Heavy Rains and Overflowing Rivers Compound the Crisis

Apart from Lucknow and Varanasi, Prayagraj has also been severely impacted. The overflowing Sasur Khaderi river caused large-scale waterlogging in residential areas, particularly in Karela Bagh, where residents were seen wading through waist-deep water to access basic services.

Local authorities have deployed pumping machines to drain waterlogged areas, but continuous rainfall is hampering the speed of these operations. Emergency teams are on standby to carry out evacuations if water levels rise further in vulnerable districts.

IMD Forecast Raises Alarm

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Uttar Pradesh from August 3 to 6. The forecast has heightened concerns for already flood-hit regions, as continued downpours may lead to further rise in river levels and increase the risk of flash floods.

Disaster management teams have been advised to stay on high alert, with contingency plans in place for possible evacuations, road blockages, and damage to infrastructure.

Misinformation Control and Public Awareness

CM Yogi Adityanath has also instructed officials to counter misinformation spreading through social media platforms during the ongoing crisis. The government emphasized the importance of accurate information flow to avoid panic among residents. Regular updates on water levels, road closures, relief measures, and safe zones are being shared through official channels.

Public advisory notices have been issued urging people to:

• Avoid venturing into flooded areas unless necessary

• Refrain from using boats or other unsafe modes of travel on swollen rivers

• Follow evacuation orders promptly when issued

• Stay updated through official bulletins rather than unverified sources

Government’s Focus: Speed, Sensitivity, and Accountability

The Uttar Pradesh government’s immediate response emphasizes a three-pronged approach:

1. Speed – Rapid deployment of resources and relief teams to affected areas.

2. Sensitivity – Ensuring emotional and physical support to affected families, particularly vulnerable groups.

3. Accountability – Strict monitoring of relief operations and holding authorities responsible for lapses in aid distribution.

With 12 districts under intense relief efforts, authorities are racing against time to mitigate damage and restore normalcy in flood-hit areas.

Looking Ahead

While the government has stepped up efforts to handle the crisis, the coming days remain crucial as heavy rainfall is predicted to continue until August 6. Residents in vulnerable regions have been urged to stay indoors, follow safety advisories, and cooperate with relief teams during rescue operations.

The unprecedented rainfall has once again highlighted the need for improved urban drainage systems, better flood management planning, and proactive disaster preparedness to handle such weather events in the future.