India, Oct. 3 -- LUCKNOW Despite a halt in local rainfall, a massive influx of water from upstream catchment areas pushed the Gomti river nearly eight feet above its normal level on Friday, submerging the iconic Gomti Riverfront and forcing authorities to open all 10 barrage gates. The expanding river has swallowed large, low-lying sections of the riverfront, prompting officials to close the area to the public indefinitely.

The river surged to 108.14 metres - well beyond its normal 105.70-metre mark - driven by heavy runoff from neighboring Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit and Sitapur districts, said officials.

As part of measures to prevent urban flooding, the irrigation department sealed 48 city drainage outlets to stop the swollen river fro...