India: Floods in Uttar Pradesh state kill 18

Event

Authorities issued flood alerts for Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states after rain-related incidents killed at least 18 over the past day. Thousands of people in 17 villages spread over several districts (e.g. districts of Kannauj, Moradabad, Bareilly and Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh state) are affected by the rising water levels of the Ganga River.

Context

According to the weather forecasts, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Uttarakhand on the 4th and 5th September, along with heavy to very heavy rain in Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh on the 5th September, with the Ganga River flooding in Farukkabad and Kanpur districts.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected districts of Uttar Pradesh state are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Please be advised 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 food discarded.