All schools in Prayagraj will remain closed today following torrential rain and severe waterlogging across the city.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure amid adverse weather conditions, with authorities prioritising the safety of students, teachers and other school staff.
Heavy rain lashed parts of Prayagraj, causing severe waterlogging on roads, in low-lying areas and at an underpass, disrupting traffic and commuting in several parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow has issued an Orange Alert for Uttar Pradesh, warning of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state from August 17 to 23 due to active monsoon conditions.
According to the weather release, multiple cyclonic circulations over East UP and North Haryana, a shifting monsoon trough and a developing depression over the Bay of Bengal are likely to intensify rainfall in the coming week.
The IMD said rain and thundershowers are expected at many to most places throughout the week.
The weather department has warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas and tunnels, sudden rises in river and stream levels, damage to kutcha structures, traffic disruptions due to poor visibility and slippery roads, and possible crop damage.
Citizens have been advised to stay away from flood-prone and low-lying areas, avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning and refrain from non-essential travel. The department has also urged people to stay away from riverbanks and unplug electronic appliances during thunderstorms.
Farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage in fields to prevent waterlogging, particularly for sugarcane, maize and pulses. The IMD has also recommended postponing fertiliser and pesticide application during heavy rain, providing staking support to tall crops such as sugarcane and banana, and monitoring for pests and diseases that thrive in high humidity.
-ANI
