India: Flooding leaves at least 106 dead in Uttar Pradesh July 26 – August 1 /update 9

Event

Monsoon rains in Uttar Pradesh state have caused deadly flooding in recent days, leaving at least 106 people dead and 100 others injured in the cities of Agra, Mainpuri, Muzaffarnagar, Kasganj, Kheri, Raebareli, Lucknow, Kanpur Dehat, Barabanki, Sitapur, and Sultanpur from Thursday, July 26 to Wednesday, August 1. Substantial material damages have been reported, including the destruction of more than 600 houses. Local officials are currently providing aid to people in affected areas. Further rainfall is forecast and consequent flooding and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in Uttar Pradesh over the coming days.

Context

Approximately 10,000 people in Delhi were recently evacuated due to rising water levels on the Yamuna River.

India's monsoon season generally runs from June through September. The current season is expected to bring normal levels of rainfall, with a 20 percent chance of above-average or below-average precipitation.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor weather forecasts, refrain from traveling to flooded areas, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rain.