Flood and heavy-rain conditions continued to affect several parts of northern and central India on Friday, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh among the worst-affected states. Rising river levels have disrupted normal life in low-lying areas, while authorities have stepped up rescue, relief and monitoring operations.

In Uttar Pradesh, flood-like conditions have been reported in 23 districts and more than 16,000 people have been rescued from affected areas. Bihar is dealing with flooding across 16 districts, with around five lakh people affected. In Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada and Mandakini rivers are running high and several districts are facing waterlogging and flooding.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across several of these regions, adding to concerns in areas already affected by swollen rivers. Its September 4 bulletin forecasts widespread rainfall over West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh, while heavy-rainfall conditions are expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. 

Uttar Pradesh: 23 Districts Affected

Uttar Pradesh is facing one of the more extensive flood situations, with 23 districts reporting flood-like conditions. More than 16,000 people have reportedly been rescued so far as rivers including the Ganga and Ghaghara remain swollen.

Varanasi and Chitrakoot are among the areas facing significant impact. In Varanasi, the Ganga water level has started falling, but flooding continues along the Varuna river and in low-lying localities.

In Gonda, the Ghaghara has crossed its danger level, prompting increased monitoring by the administration. Officials are also using drones to assess vulnerable areas.

In Kanpur, rising water in the Pandu river has affected villages including Meharban Singh Ka Purwa, Gopalpur and Mardanpur, with water entering several homes.

The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall over West Uttar Pradesh from September 4 to 6 and has warned of isolated heavy rainfall in the region during this period. 

Bihar: Five Lakh People Affected

Bihar is also witnessing a major flood situation, with around five lakh people affected across 16 districts.

The Ganga and several other major rivers are flowing above danger levels at various locations. The rising Ganga has intensified concerns in Patna, where authorities have taken additional precautions to prevent floodwater from entering the city through drainage routes.

The situation has also affected education and transportation in low-lying areas. In Katihar, students in a flood-affected locality have reportedly been using boats to reach school as surrounding areas remain inundated.

The IMD's latest bulletin indicates fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Bihar on September 4 and 5, suggesting that authorities will need to continue monitoring river levels and vulnerable settlements. 

Madhya Pradesh: Narmada, Mandakini Swell

Madhya Pradesh is facing a combination of heavy rainfall and rising river levels. The Mandakini has crossed the danger mark at affected locations, while the Narmada is also running high.

Flood-like conditions have been reported from districts including Chhatarpur, Satna, Mandla and Maihar. Water has entered homes and temples in parts of Satna, while the rising Narmada has approached smaller bridges in Mandla.

Water is also being released from the Kutni reservoir in Chhatarpur and the Bargi Dam near Jabalpur, increasing the need for caution downstream.

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Madhya Pradesh. Its September 3 bulletin had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the state from September 3 to 5, including a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall over East Madhya Pradesh on September 3. 

Himachal Pradesh Records 266 Rain-Related Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also suffered extensive losses during the current monsoon season. According to the figures cited in the report, 266 people have died in rain-related incidents so far.

The reported deaths include fatalities linked to road accidents, landslides and drowning, along with other weather-related incidents. The state has also reported substantial damage to public and private property.

The latest IMD forecast indicates fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Himachal Pradesh on September 4 and 5, while isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of the wider northwest region. 

Rajasthan, Punjab Also See Heavy Rain

The impact of the ongoing weather system is not limited to the three major flood-affected states.

Parts of Rajasthan have received heavy rainfall, with waterlogging reported in areas including Dholpur. Punjab has also witnessed rainfall in several districts, with the weather department warning of heavy rain in parts of the state.

Haryana is similarly under a weather alert, while Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir remain under close observation because of continuing rainfall.

The latest IMD assessment shows a broad belt of active monsoon rainfall across north and central India, with West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of the Himalayan region among the areas facing continued rain risk. (Mausam)

Authorities Step Up Monitoring

With rivers continuing to rise in several locations, administrations across affected states are focusing on evacuation, rescue operations, relief supplies and monitoring of vulnerable settlements.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid entering swollen rivers, streams and waterlogged roads.

The immediate concern remains the possibility that additional rainfall could worsen flooding in areas where rivers are already close to or above danger levels. With the IMD forecasting more rain over several affected regions, state disaster-management agencies are expected to maintain heightened preparedness in the coming days.