Heavy monsoon rains across eastern and central India over the past 48 hours have killed at least 18 people, damaged crops and property, and forced thousands to evacuate from flood-affected areas.
Uttar Pradesh reported 17 deaths and five injuries, with 63 of its 75 districts recording above-normal rainfall. The state received 19 times its normal rainfall in the past 24 hours, damaging standing Kharif crops and raising concerns over delays to the Rabi season.
Deaths were reported across several districts, including four in Lakhimpur Kheri and two in Ayodhya. A wall collapse in Bahraich and a thunderstorm in Basti also caused fatalities. The Ganga Expressway near Unnao was waterlogged, disrupting traffic.
More than 73,000 people were affected across 10 districts, while over 40,000 were evacuated. Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati were among the worst-hit areas. Authorities reported damage to 721 houses and 4,480 hectares of crops.
Floodwaters from the Gandak River, following heavy rain in Nepal and releases from Valmikinagar barrage, forced more than 2,000 villagers in West Champaran to move to safety. The state government placed sensitive river belts on high alert.
Heavy rain caused flooding, waterlogging and road disruptions, while schools were closed in eight districts. A farmer died in Kondagaon after falling into a swollen drain, and quarterly examinations were postponed.
A separate report also said an old sal tree fell on a hut in Uttar Pradesh’s Gajarhiya Tola, killing three people.
