UP Floods: Over 17,500 Evacuated As 26 Districts Reel Under Rising Waters

More than 17,500 people have been evacuated to safer locations as floods continue to affect 26 districts of Uttar Pradesh, with authorities stepping up relief and rescue operations across the state. The state government said there has been no loss of life or livestock so far.

According to the Relief Commissioner’s office, around 3.53 lakh people have been affected by the floods. A total of 17,544 people have been moved to safer places, while 4,847 are currently staying in relief shelters.

The administration has set up 1,312 flood shelters and deployed 1,634 flood outposts, 1,697 boats and motorboats, along with 1,068 medical teams to assist affected communities.

Relief supplies are also being distributed on a large scale. Authorities have provided 72,897 food packets and 3.67 lakh lunch packets, while more than 5.52 lakh chlorine tablets and 1.87 lakh ORS packets have been distributed to address health and sanitation concerns.

The floods have also affected livestock, with more than 45,000 animals impacted. Over 5,000 quintals of fodder have been supplied, and no animal deaths have been reported.

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has receded to 128 metres from its August 29 peak of 135.20 metres. However, authorities remain on alert. Around 688 people have been evacuated, while residents of 36 affected villages continue to receive assistance. The floods partially damaged 653 houses, with financial aid being transferred to affected families.

Rescue teams, including the NDRF and SDRF, have also been deployed in the district, while crop-loss surveys are underway to assess the impact on farmers.

In Ghazipur, a dramatic six-hour operation rescued 12 shepherds and more than 2,000 sheep stranded on an island near Duhia Saraiya after the Ganga rose. A night-vision drone helped locate the stranded people and animals before police, disaster-response teams and local boatmen carried out the rescue.