Heavy rain batters several states as IMD issues warning; 9 dead in UP

Heavy rain lashed large parts of the country on Thursday (August 6), leaving behind a trail of deaths, flooded neighbourhoods, rising rivers and blocked highways.

Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of fatalities in rain-related incidents during the day. Elsewhere, authorities in Uttarakhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Delhi grappled with swelling rivers, waterlogging and transport disruptions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that active monsoon conditions would continue in several regions over the coming days.

Uttar Pradesh worst hit

The worst tragedy unfolded in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district. A nearly century-old house collapsed around 2 am after heavy rain, killing six members of a family, including two infants.

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Police said seven members of the family had been sleeping in a single room when the old structure came down. Aman, the only survivor, crawled out from the rubble and alerted neighbours. Rescue teams later pulled out those trapped beneath the debris, but doctors declared six of them dead.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief, instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured survivor and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

More rain-related deaths

Rain-triggered accidents elsewhere in the state claimed three more lives. In Barabanki, two siblings died after an old brick wall collapsed while five children were playing nearby. Three others were injured.

Also Read: Met department forecasts below-normal rainfall in Aug-Sept, barring parts of India

Officials have ordered an inquiry, while villagers alleged the wall had long been in poor condition and had weakened further after days of rain. In Saharanpur, a woman died when her mud house collapsed late on Wednesday night.

The IMD has forecast more heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next few days. Active monsoon conditions are expected to persist, with Etawah recording the state's highest rainfall during the past 24 hours. Mirzapur, Varanasi and Lucknow also received substantial rain.

Rivers, highways affected

The weather spell also intensified concerns in Uttarakhand. Water levels in the Alaknanda, Mandakini and Bhagirathi rivers touched warning or danger marks after continuous rainfall.

Also Read: Flood here, drought there: A tale of two Indias in monsoon

At the same time, landslides and debris blocked stretches of the Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways, disrupting movement. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and directed all agencies to remain on high alert.

Schools up to Class 12 stayed shut in Dehradun, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts after the IMD issued an orange alert for heavy rain.

Alerts across states

Bhubaneswar received around 100 mm of rain overnight, leaving several low-lying localities under water and forcing rainwater into homes. Fresh warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms remain in place across parts of Odisha.

West Bengal is also expected to receive more heavy rain until August 7, with coastal and sub-Himalayan districts likely to bear the brunt.

In Delhi, moderate to heavy showers brought relief from humid conditions, although the IMD has warned that more rain and thunderstorms are likely through the day.

(With agency inputs)