Purvanchal, central UP, terai cool down; Lucknow faces flood fury
Lucknow, October 8: As the monsoon retreated, Uttar Pradesh witnessed a sudden weather shift late Wednesday night with heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms lashing Lucknow and several districts, cooling conditions across Purvanchal, Central UP, and the Terai region, while rising river levels and waterlogging in low‑lying areas raised administrative concerns.
In the capital, Lucknow, the waters of the Gomti river have increased in low-lying areas, creating difficulties. River water has reached Shaheed Path and the area around the Ekana Stadium, while the road in front of the Palassio Mall was also waterlogged. After floodwaters reached the Triple IT campus in CG City, the institute’s academic activities were suspended and students were evacuated to safer locations.
According to the Central Water Commission, the water level of the Gomti River at Hanuman Setu was recorded at 107.25 meters on Wednesday night. This is below the warning level of 108.50 meters and the danger mark of 109.50 meters. However, the situation remains sensitive due to water spreading in several low-lying areas along the river, including Faizullaganj. The administration has intensified relief and rescue operations in the affected areas and arranged for boats.
Last night, district magistrate (DM) Vishakh G. inspected the flood-affected Faizullaganj. Relief operations are underway there with 52 boats, four relief camps, medical teams, and police patrolling at night.
According to the DM, the water level of the Gomti River remained stable throughout the day. It is expected that the water level will begin to decrease in the next 12 to 24 hours.
The water levels of other major rivers in the state are also being monitored. The recent rise in the water levels of the Ganga-Yamuna in Prayagraj and the Ganga in Varanasi has put flood pressure on low-lying areas. The water level of the Ganga River is being monitored at Central Water Commission monitoring stations in Phaphamau, Naini, and Varanasi. In the event of rainfall in the upper catchment areas, the river’s water level is likely to fluctuate again.
Several districts, including Pilibhit, Hardoi, Sitapur, Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Sultanpur, and Ghazipur, experienced rainfall on Wednesday afternoon and last night. Strong winds in Kanpur reached 76 kilometers per hour, with incidents of tree uprooting reported at several locations. However, Thursday’s sky remained cloudy, with the weather remaining humid and cool. Meanwhile, Bahraich and Balrampur were also affected by strong winds. In Varanasi, heavy rain and strong winds caused trees and branches to fall at several locations, disrupting power supply.
Atul Kumar Singh, senior meteorologist at the Regional Meteorological Center, Lucknow, stated that the change in weather in the state was due to an active weather system. As a result, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds were recorded at many locations.
He added that rainfall activity may continue in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Terai region on Thursday. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible at some locations. Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease as the weather system weakens.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature may drop in the next one or two days due to the rain. This is expected to increase the coolness in the morning and evening. The administration has instructed to continuously monitor the water levels of rivers and the situation in low-lying areas.
