UP CM Orders 24-Hour Damage Assessment as Rain, Flash Flood Warnings Escalate

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials to complete an assessment of damage caused by lightning and heavy rainfall within 24 hours and to extend all possible assistance to affected families, as large parts of the State brace for severe weather.

In a statement issued by the State government, the Chief Minister asked District Magistrates of the concerned districts to maintain special vigilance and visit the field. Schools are to remain closed in districts under a red alert and those facing the possibility of flash floods.

Senior officials have been told to stay fully alert, evaluate losses promptly and ensure relief reaches affected households within a day. Mr. Adityanath said the State government stands with the people with full commitment in every situation, and directed that measures be tailored to local conditions, with special monitoring in sensitive areas.

Officials have also been asked to ensure the safety of people living in dilapidated houses and huts, shifting them to the nearest relief shelter where required so that their lives are not endangered by heavy rain or flash floods.

Earlier, Relief Commissioner Dr. Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod held a video conference with District Magistrates of districts under red and orange alerts to review the weather situation and preparations. He asked officials to remain active in the field, continuously monitor local conditions and act immediately in any emergency.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds is forecast for eastern Uttar Pradesh on September 27, with similar conditions likely in the western parts of the State.

The Relief Commissioner said ensuring the safety of every person's life and property is the administration's responsibility, and asked District Magistrates to remain in the field, inspect the situation and maintain continuous communication with the public. Instructions have been issued to spread information about weather warnings and precautions widely through public address systems, local communication channels and other available resources.

A red alert is in force in Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur, where special vigilance has been ordered.

An orange alert covers Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Raebareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Basti, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Hardoi, Lucknow, Barabanki, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Sambhal and Badaun, among other areas, where officials will remain active.

With flash floods possible in watershed areas of Azamgarh, Ballia, Ghazipur, Mau, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Balrampur, Ambedkar Nagar, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Gonda, Shravasti, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Hardoi, Lucknow, Unnao, Raebareli, Barabanki, Amethi, Fatehpur, Kanpur Nagar, Banda, Kaushambi and Chitrakoot, security and relief agencies have been told to remain ready as needed.

The Relief Commissioner directed that people be kept away from open spaces, trees, orchards and parks during strong winds and lightning, and that no one be forced to stay under the open sky. Relief and rescue arrangements are to be kept active, with immediate action taken whenever required.