Now flood fury in UP, 12 dead

FLOODS, WHICH were till now creating havoc in other parts of the country, have spread their devastating fangs to Uttar Pradesh also. On Tuesday there was a sudden spate in the Ghagra and Rapti rivers due to incessant rain and heavy discharge of water from Nepalese reservoirs.

Bahraich and Shrawasti districts faced the flood fury the most. At least three people and dozens of cattle heads were drowned in Shrawasti while standing crops worth several crores of rupees were damaged in Bahraich. Six people were killed in separate incidents here.

Meanwhile, in Balrampur, more than 50 villages were submerged by floodwater. The Rapti river was rising menacingly.

The situation was very grave in Kauwapur, Mahrajganj, Laukahwa, under Tulsipur tehsil, where the Pahari Nala was on spate. District Magistrate Aparna U confirmed three deaths here.

In Bahraich and Shrawasti districts hundreds of villages were inundated and about one lakh people were marooned. Many people have taken shelter on tree branches and atop buildings. The floods have washed away the entire Lokiha village and rendered about 60,000 people homeless.

The 97-km-long Belha-Behroli dam was damaged at two places. All the efforts made for the security of the dam proved futile as a major breach of 40 feet appeared on it near Lokiha village.

The Saryu river was flowing 1.10 metre above the danger mark on Behla-Behrauli dam. Similarly, the Ghagra had touched the danger mark near Baundi. The river was flowing above the danger mark on Alvin bridge.

About 24 villages were submerged in Mahsi area due to heavy discharge of water from Gopia barrage.