UP floods: 25 districts still submerged, CM announces swift aid in Chitrakoot

Uttar Pradesh continues to battle severe flooding, with the Relief Commissioner's office confirming on Sunday that inundation persists in 25 districts while 37 districts have been affected overall. The state government has intensified rescue operations, evacuating 19,454 people so far, including 8,264 on Sunday alone. Officials have reported no human or cattle casualties thus far.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Chitrakoot, one of the worst-hit areas, to oversee relief efforts. He conducted an aerial survey and inspected Ramghat, where the swelling Mandakini river has caused significant damage. During his visit, he distributed relief material to 800 families and handed over cheques of Rs 1.20 lakh each to three families whose homes were completely destroyed, along with land allotment certificates to two beneficiaries.

Adityanath assured affected families of government assistance within 24 hours. He directed officials to expedite relief and rehabilitation, stating that families whose houses were fully destroyed would receive new homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, subject to eligibility. Those not covered would be considered under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana with land allotment. He also ordered a survey of crop losses and said funds would not be a constraint for repairing damaged roads, ghats, and electricity infrastructure.

The Chief Minister described the flooding as "unprecedented," noting that rainfall this year nearly doubled last year's 360 mm. He highlighted the washing away of a permanent bridge critical for heavy vehicles heading to Madhya Pradesh, saying, "If even a strong bridge can be washed away, one can easily imagine the condition of ordinary houses."

Adityanath said that while only one SDRF unit was initially deployed in Chitrakoot, eight companies of SDRF, NDRF, and PAC were engaged in rescue operations within hours. He also criticized the previous Samajwadi Party government's flood response, alleging that victims were given inadequate relief, including "dry bread," while funds were misappropriated. He contrasted this with current efforts, noting that families now receive 50 kg relief kits containing 26 essential items, including rice, flour, pulses, oil, and spices, along with dignity kits with buckets and raincoats.

Statewide, 2,075 boats and motorboats have been deployed for rescue missions, and 1,315 flood shelters are housing 6,698 displaced citizens. On the health front, 1,072 medical teams have distributed over 6.47 lakh chlorine tablets and 2.49 lakh ORS packets to prevent waterborne diseases. On Sunday alone, over 5.94 lakh lunch packets and 1.03 lakh comprehensive relief kits were dispatched. Of the 1,272 houses reported damaged, immediate financial assistance has been extended in 1,002 cases.