LAKHIMPUR KHERI/VARANASI: Torrential and continuous rain caused extensive waterlogging in parts of Lakhimpur Kheri and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
In Lakhimpur Kheri, all educational institutions up to Class 8 were shut for the day amid the heavy downpour. The rising level of the Sharda river also affected rail operations on the Mailani-Nanpara route, with water seeping onto the track between Bhira and Palia stations.
North Eastern Railway PRO Mahesh Gupta said train services between Mailani, Bichhia and Nanpara would remain suspended until further orders. Around six trains were affected by the disruption.
District Basic Education Officer Pravin Tiwari announced the closure of schools up to Class 8 in view of the weather conditions.
The situation in areas close to the Nepal border was also being closely monitored as water levels in the Mohana and Karnali rivers increased in the Tikunia area of Nighasan tehsil.
Both rivers originate in Nepal, and their flow has a direct impact on several villages in the border belt, including areas around Dudhwa National Park.
In Varanasi, the rising Ganga has created a flood-like situation in several low-lying areas. The Central Water Commission (CWC) recorded the river’s water level at 70.28 metres at 10 am on Tuesday, marginally above the warning level of 70.26 metres but below the danger mark of 71.262 metres.
The Ganga was rising at around 0.5 cm per hour, according to the CWC. The highest water level ever recorded in Varanasi is 73.901 metres.
Several lanes in the city were inundated, forcing residents to use boats for movement. The flooding also affected cremation activities at the traditional Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats. With parts of the cremation grounds submerged, cremations were being conducted on rooftops and in adjoining lanes.
Officials said several families living in waterlogged areas along the Varuna river had already been evacuated and moved to relief camps as a precautionary measure.