New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- Heavy rain and flooding disrupted life across several states on Friday, with nearly 50.5 lakh people affected by floods in Bihar, around 10,000 people evacuated to relief centres in Odisha, and roads, rail services, power supply and air connectivity hit in parts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh, meanwhile, stepped up preparedness as the India Meteorological Department forecast heavy to very heavy rain over the next two days.

In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations. The state government put district administrations on alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning till September 27, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and flooding.

The administration warned that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods in some watersheds. Strong surface winds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts of around 50 kmph, are also likely, while isolated areas could experience gusts of 40-50 kmph reaching 60 kmph.

In Bihar, around 50.49 lakh people have been affected by floods across 15 districts, covering 576 gram panchayats in 88 blocks. The Kosi is flowing above the danger mark at Baltara, while the Bagmati is above the warning level at Sonakhan and Benibad.

The Water Resources Department ordered round-the-clock vigilance along vulnerable stretches of the Gandak and Kosi, including embankments, sluice gates and low-lying areas. Officials have been asked to conduct night patrolling and report seepage, overtopping, erosion or breaches. As many as 222 boats have been deployed for evacuation and movement, while 27 SDRF and eight NDRF teams remain deployed.

In Odisha, heavy rain caused rivers to swell, landslides, waterlogging and damage to houses. Around 10,000 people from low-lying and landslide-prone areas in southern and western parts of the state were shifted to 200 relief centres.

At least 24 places recorded more than 100 mm rainfall in 24 hours. Tentulikhunti received 395 mm, Nandahandi 344 mm and Boriguma 307.8 mm. The Jalaka, Budhabalanga, Baitarani and Kani rivers crossed danger marks.

Landslides blocked roads in Gajapati and Malkangiri, while boulders fell on NH-16 at Bada Ghati. In Kandhamal, a landslide at Kalinga Ghat brought down nearly 200 metres of a guard wall. Landslides on railway tracks affected train services in Rayagada division.

Jharkhand also witnessed direct disruption from incessant rain, with trees and electricity poles uprooted, affecting traffic and power supply. In Ranchi, a tree fell on a school bus carrying children, though all students were rescued safely. Several schools declared holidays and all schools from kindergarten to Class 12 were ordered closed on Saturday. At least 24 flights were cancelled at Birsa Munda Airport, while several areas experienced prolonged power outages.

In Chhattisgarh, heavy rain inundated low-lying areas, swelled rivers and cut off remote settlements in Bastar. A 40-year-old farmer drowned in Kondagaon after falling into a flooded drain while catching fish in a partially submerged paddy field.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.