GORAKHPUR, July 19 -- A seven-hour spell of torrential rain, which began on the intervening night of Friday and continued till Saturday morning, brought normal life in Gorakhpur to a standstill. The downpour inundated the outpatient department (OPD) of the district hospital, flooded nearly 250 shops in Rapti Complex, submerged several residential areas and disrupted normal morning activities across the city. The city received 110 mm of rainfall in one of the heaviest spells of the monsoon season, exposing shortcomings of the flood response system. Officials said that nine of the 11 major drains (nalas) in flood-prone areas crossed the danger mark. Localities including Bharwaya, Taramandal, Behrampur-Illahi Bagh, Chak Shah Hussain, Ram Janki Nagar and Mohri Sudharpur remained waterlogged for nearly five hours. The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) deployed high-capacity pumping machines in waterlogged areas as part of its monsoon emergency response. According to officials, accumulated rainwater was pumped out from most affected localities within three to four hours. The municipal corporation deployed pumps in low-lying neighbourhoods affected by severe waterlogging following the intense rainfall, while sanitation and engineering teams remained on the ground to clear drains and ensure the smooth discharge of stormwater. Chief engineer Amit Sharma said the prompt deployment of pumping machines helped restore normal movement in the affected areas and prevented prolonged waterlogging despite continuous rainfall. Municipal commissioner Avinash Singh said civic teams were placed on high alert and pumping machines were deployed immediately after reports of waterlogging were received. He added that the corporation was continuously monitoring vulnerable locations and responding promptly to complaints. Officials said the district recorded 180 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The downpour inundated several low-lying localities, triggering traffic snarls and causing hardship to residents. Strong winds also uprooted a large tree inside the District Collectorate premises and disrupted electricity supply in nearly a dozen localities. District officials have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during spells of heavy rain and advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert. They said the administration was closely monitoring the situation, with emergency response teams kept on standby....