LUCKNOW: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Uttar Pradesh on Friday, prompting the Prayagraj administration to step up flood preparedness measures as water levels in several rivers inch closer to the danger mark.Prayagraj district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma told ANI, “The water levels of several rivers in Prayagraj are approaching the danger mark; however, the rivers that typically pose a flood threat remain below the danger mark. We have ensured all preparations are in place. We have identified all flood-prone villages and any existing shortcomings are being rectified. Arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, and spraying operations are being ensured. SDRF and NDRF teams are also deployed. We are on alert.”In its daily weather bulletin issued on Thursday, the IMD warned that a well-marked low-pressure area over southwest Uttar Pradesh is likely to bring extremely heavy rainfall to parts of West Uttar Pradesh on July 9 and Uttarakhand on July 9-10. The weather agency advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas.The weather office has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across West Uttar Pradesh on July 10 and 11, and over East Uttar Pradesh from July 10 to 13.Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in both regions on Friday, along with moderate to intense lightning activity over parts of East Uttar Pradesh.According to the IMD, the ongoing weather activity is being driven by a low-pressure area over northern parts of central Uttar Pradesh.The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and is expected to gradually weaken over the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, the monsoon trough passing through the system continues to support rainfall across the state.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall activity over the next few days, with isolated heavy rain likely over West Uttar Pradesh on July 11 and East Uttar Pradesh from July 10 to 13. Moderate to intense lightning is also expected over parts of East Uttar Pradesh on July 12.The weather office has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to low-lying and flood-prone areas during periods of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.(With agency inputs)
