Heavy Rains Kill 24 in UP and Gujarat, IMD Warns of More Extreme Downpours

At least 24 people have died in rain-related incidents across Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat as intensified monsoon activity triggered flooding, lightning strikes, wall collapses and widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall will continue in several regions over the coming days.

In Uttar Pradesh , the IMD issued a red alert for parts of western districts, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Seven people lost their lives in separate incidents involving lightning, wall collapses and drowning in Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Bulandshahr, Shamli and Ghaziabad . Heavy rain also caused severe waterlogging, traffic congestion and a road cave-in in Noida and Ghaziabad, prompting authorities to close schools in Ghaziabad on Friday.

The IMD attributed the active weather to a low-pressure system over northwest Madhya Pradesh and an associated upper-air cyclonic circulation, with widespread rainfall expected across Uttar Pradesh until July 11 .

In Surat, Gujarat , 17 people have died after the city received 358 mm of rainfall in 24 hours , causing flash floods in low-lying areas. Officials rescued more than 3,600 people and evacuated over 4,300 residents as floodwaters inundated homes, roads and commercial establishments. One person remains missing after a car was swept away by strong currents.

Reviewing the situation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced ₹500 crore for long-term creek development and flood mitigation projects to address Surat's recurring flooding.

The twin disasters highlight the intensifying impact of the southwest monsoon , underscoring the need for stronger disaster management, resilient urban infrastructure and timely weather warnings as heavy rainfall continues across northern and western India.