UP: Heavy rain shuts schools in Lakhimpur Kheri, boats out in Varanasi

Lakhimpur Kheri and Varanasi districts in Uttar Pradesh experienced heavy rain on Tuesday, causing waterlogging and disrupting daily life. In Lakhimpur Kheri, all educational institutions were closed up to Class 8 for the day due to the deluge. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, boats navigated the inundated lanes and cremations at the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats were carried out on rooftops and bylanes.

The Sharda river's rising water level disrupted train services on the Mailani-Nanpara section, suspending around half a dozen trains until further notice. North Eastern Railway PRO Mahesh Gupta confirmed the suspension, stating that train service between Mailani, Bichhia, and Nanpara would remain halted until further orders. District basic education officer Pravin Tiwari declared a holiday for schools up to Class 8 in Lakhimpur due to the heavy rainfall.

Concerns arose over the Nepal border as water levels in the Mohana and Karnali rivers rose in the Tikunia area of Nighasan tehsil. In Varanasi, the Ganga's rising water level led to a flood-like situation, with the Central Water Commission recording a water level of 70.28 meters at 10 am on Tuesday. This surpassed the warning level of 70.26 meters and the danger mark of 71.262 meters, with the highest-ever recorded water level in Varanasi being 73.901 meters.

The river's current rise rate stands at 0.5 centimeters per hour. Boats operated in waterlogged lanes, and bodies were cremated on rooftops and bylanes after the traditional cremation spots at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats were submerged. Several families affected by waterlogging were evacuated and shifted to relief camps.