An active southwest monsoon has dumped relentless rainfall across northern India this week, triggering severe flooding in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has signaled a temporary break for Madhya Pradesh.
In Uttar Pradesh, at least 26 districts remain under the grip of flooding as river levels continue to swell. The state's disaster management authority estimates that roughly 4 lakh people have been directly affected, with residents in low-lying areas forced to seek higher ground. The situation in Farrukhabad has been particularly stark — authorities report that around 10 houses have been swallowed by the overflowing Ganga river over the past ten days alone, displacing families and leaving communities stranded.
On Thursday, an alert has been issued for 22 cities across the state, as meteorologists warn of further intense rainfall that could worsen waterlogging and river overflows. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Bihar's flood situation is arguably more dire. The state witnessed an IMD alert regarding an active monsoon circulatory system, and more than nine rivers — including the Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati — are running well above their danger marks. As a result, 34 lakh people in 13 flood-hit districts are currently trapped. Relief operations involving the National Disaster Response Force and state emergency teams are underway, with evacuation drives and distribution of food and clean drinking water being organized in the worst-affected blocks.
In a separate tragedy in Araria district's Tarona area, three people were killed when a bolt of sky lightning struck a residential structure during a thunderstorm, adding to the human toll of the ongoing monsoon violence.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh is getting some relief. The IMD confirmed that the monsoon will take a three-day breather across the state, with dry conditions expected until September 11. Rainfall is likely to resume only after that period, offering respite to farmers and residents who have been dealing with waterlogging and disrupted daily life.
