Thaindian News

Lucknow, July 1 (IANS) Heavy rains lashing most parts of Uttar Pradesh have led to several major rivers swelling, raising the threat of floods in various districts, officials said Friday.

Water levels in rivers like Ghagra, Saryu, Sharda, Mohani and Karnali have been witnessing a rising trend. However, they are still below their respective danger marks.

While Ghagra is in spate in Bahraich and Gonda districts, water level in Sharda and Saryu rivers is increasing in Lakhimpur Kheri and Faizabad districts, respectively.

“Taking into account the rise in the water level of Ghagra and from safety point of view, we have already started evacuating low-lying areas along the bank of the river. Local residents are being taken to safer places,” Bahraich District Magistrate Govind Raju N.S. told IANS on telephone.

Additional District Magistrate Lakhimpur Tulsi Ram said: “Though the situation is not alarming, we have started taking preemptive measures to avert any untoward incident.”

“We have already issued a warning to residents of several villages along the banks of the river to move to higher places,” he added.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh have been witnessing heavy rains since Wednesday. According to state met department here, such weather conditions would continue to prevail at least for the next 24 hours.