148 dead as torrential rains and flash floods wreak havoc in India
The extended southwest monsoon over the Indian subcontinent has caused devastation in several places in the country
PATNA: Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across parts of India, especially in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh which have been reeling under floods since the past few days, with the death toll mounting to 148 in the country.
The extended southwest monsoon over the Indian subcontinent has not only caused devastation in several places in the country, but has also broken some old records and set new ones.
The highest number of deaths -- 111 were reported from Uttar Pradesh, while 29 people lost their lives in Bihar since last week.
India recorded its highest rainfall this Monsoon since 1994, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said classifying it ‘ above normal’ as the season officially ended on Monday. However, rain bearing winds still remain active over several parts of the country.
Rainfall received so far is 10 per cent more than the normal, which is highest in the last 25 years, an IMD official said. The withdrawal of southwest monsoon has been delayed by a month, the official said. “Normal withdrawal of southwest monsoon begins by September 1 in Rajasthan and other northern parts of India. This year, the Hikka cyclone has so far brought more showers and southwest monsoon is still here,” he added.
In Maharashtra, the monsoon has brought copious rains with its late onslaught. Mumbai has received 3,669.6 mm rainfall so far this season - the highest in 61 years - as against its normal quota of 2,350 mm.
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, since Thursday, 104 people have died in rainrelated incidents, with the state government on Sunday cancelling leave of officials in view of the situation. On 26 September, 36 people died, 18 people on 27 and September, 28 on 28 September, 18 people on 29 September and four on Monday, according to officials.
The MET department has predicted rain and thunder showers at many places in eastern Uttar Pradesh and heavy rain at isolated places over the western region on October 1.
In Ballia, authorities had to shift about 900 prisoners to other jails after flood waters entered the barracks of the district jail located near the Ganga River.
Three fresh deaths caused by drowning were reported on Monday afternoon, one from Nawada and two from Jehanabad district, raising the toll to 29 in Bihar.
The disaster management department said six deaths have been reported from Gaya district where five persons were killed in a wall collapse while another person drowned in a river which has been in spate because of rains.
The weather department has forecast a long delayed withdrawal of Monsoon and more rains for Bihar, including capital Patna where several areas still remain submerged, and food and relief material are being air dropped.
In Patna, normal life was thrown out of gear, with several schools shut, roads inundated, and many shops, hospitals and houses submerged in knee deep waters.
More than 4,000 people, including women and children, were rescued from the flood-affected areas of Patna on Monday, the NDRF said. The force said it has deployed five teams, with about 45 personnel in each, to conduct rescue and relief works in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi was “rescued” by a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) boat.