CM Yogi Adityanath visits flood-hit Shravasti, Balrampur; oversees distribution of relief material

The officials told the CM that the floods were caused in the district by the sudden release of water from Nepal following heavy rainfall in the neighbouring country. The water level, however, is decreasing gradually, it is learnt.

Also, Adityanath handed over cheques of Rs 4 lakh each to the families who lost their members due to the floods and honoured Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel who helped evacuating those stranded in the floods to the safety. He also announced  Rs 1 lakh cash prize for their bravery and service. Then he met the 11 persons who were rescued after being trapped in flood and enquired about their well-being. Addressing the villagers, the CM said 633 villages in 33 tehsils of 12 districts were affected by floods. The affected population was approximately 17.97 lakh while more than 18,000 cattle heads also bore the brunt of the rising waters, it was claimed.

At least 1.45 lakh hectares of agricultural land has also been affected. As many as 923 flood outposts have been set up to monitor the flood situation and relief efforts. More than 1,000 flood shelters have also been set up to house the flood-affected people.

In Shravasti, 116 villages are either affected by floods. The erosion situation is critical in 15 villages, affecting a population of 76,000 and over 23,000 hectares of agricultural land.  In Balrampur, around 50,000 people and more than 32,000 hectares of farmlands were affected by floods, the CM added.  For relief work, boats have been arranged by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and PAC flood units along with the administration.