Almost 1000 villages spread over 9 districts were severely affected by floods in Uttar Pradesh. The floods were caused after a cloudburst on the intervening night of 15 to 16 August, in Nepal. After the cloudburst, Nepal was forced to release water into the Rapti and Ghagra rivers which spelt devastation for villages on the Indo-Nepal border in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 80 people have been reported dead and several acres of agricultural land is submerged, while relief efforts continue.
Bahraich district. In northern Uttar Pradesh, Bahraich district on the Indo Nepal border has been worst affected by the floods. Over a span of less than 24 hours, 200 villages were washed away. A week later people started returning to their villages but now face the dangers of a pandemic. Rotting animal carcasses and stagnating water pose as health hazards for those returning to rebuild their homes. Though the local administration is carrying on relief work, there is dissatisfaction with the Samajwadi Party government over disbursement of compensation. While local authorities had proposed compensation and relief worth 100 crores, the state government has released less than 4 crores for the same. This includes the 1.5 lakhs compensation to each family that lost a member. Angry with the government, people here have said that they will not vote in the bypolls on 13 September.
Faizabad district. The Kazipur Majha area in Faizabad’s Maya block has borne the brunt of flash floods almost every year. The village head Durgawati said that almost 1600 acres of cultivable land has been submerged. It is likely that crops on this land will be completely devastated. The lekhpal (land record keeper) of the village Shivkumar said that a list of those who have suffered losses has been prepared but only those who have lost over 50 percent of their assets will be eligible for compensation.
Dayanath Chauhan, a resident of the area, said that this was the state of affairs every year in Kazipur Majha. Each year, little to no compensation was given to the people. He pointed out that even the village school was inundated with water and as a result children’s education has also been affected. Susheela, the A.N.M. from the village said that after almost a week, the Sub Divisional Magistrate had visited the area and kerosene was distributed to the families on 21 August. Meanwhile those at the Board of Flood Control in Faizabad claim that their team has been visiting the area regularly and that the situation is under control.
Click here to read original story