Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a deluge with over 90 mm of rainfall in just 12 hours, marking the most substantial downpour of this year’s monsoon season. The heavy rains commenced on Sunday evening and continued into Monday morning, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions in key areas of the city.
The meteorological department has forecasted that the rainfall is likely to persist until September 12, offering respite to the residents after a scorching week. However, the excessive waterlogging has presented challenges for people in various localities, including Jankipuram Sector F, Chowk, Faizullahganj, LDA Colony Kanpur Road, and Ashiana. On social media platforms, residents expressed their difficulties and appealed for assistance from authorities.
Even VVIP areas like Vikramaditya Marg and Kalidas Marg, where ministers reside in grand bungalows, reported waterlogging. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) swiftly responded by installing pumps to drain the water and using generators to power these pumps during the night.
Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob, accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Inderjeet Singh, conducted field visits at 5 am. They assessed the situation in areas like Jankipuram, Munshipulia, and examined the functionality of pumping stations in Jankipuram.
As per the weather forecast, several districts in Uttar Pradesh will continue to experience light to heavy rainfall due to a cyclonic circulation pattern. Etawah, Auraiya, Gonda, Kannauj, Ayodhya, and Basti are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while approximately 35 districts will witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Lucknow and adjacent regions in Bundelkhand will continue to receive showers, with wind speeds ranging from 20 to 25 kmph.
In response to the inclement weather, the District Magistrate, Suryapal Gangwar, ordered the closure of all schools in the district early on Monday morning. The meteorological department’s warning advised residents to stay indoors unless they have essential tasks to attend to, as more rain, lightning, and thunderstorms are anticipated. The warning also cautioned against standing under trees or in structurally weak buildings during the adverse weather conditions.
