PRAYAGRAJ: All schools in Prayagraj will remain closed on Tuesday (August 18) after torrential rain triggered severe waterlogging across the city, disrupting traffic and daily commuting in several areas.The district administration has declared a ‘rainy day’ holiday for all council, secondary and recognised/aided schools affiliated to all boards. The closure covers English- and Hindi-medium institutions from pre-primary to Class 12.The decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid adverse weather conditions, with authorities prioritising the safety of students, teachers and other school staff.Heavy rain lashed several parts of Prayagraj, leading to severe waterlogging on roads, in low-lying areas and at an underpass. The waterlogging disrupted traffic and commuting in multiple 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.Uttar Pradesh continues to reel under a seasonal rainfall deficit. As of Monday, East UP had received 386.4 mm against a normal of 526.0 mm, marking a 27% shortfall.West UP recorded 416.0 mm against a normal of 454.6 mm, a deficit of 8%. Overall, Uttar Pradesh had received 398.6 mm against the normal of 496.3 mm, leaving the state with a 20% rainfall deficit.In the last 24 hours, Churk in Sonbhadra recorded the highest rainfall at 147.2 mm.The IMD said rain and thundershowers are expected at many to most places throughout the week.The weather department 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 also urged people to stay away from riverbanks and to unplug electronic appliances during thunderstorms.Farmers have been asked to ensure proper drainage in fields to prevent waterlogging, particularly for sugarcane, maize and pulses.The IMD also recommended postponing fertiliser and pesticide application during heavy rain, providing staking support to tall crops like sugarcane and banana, and monitoring for pests and diseases that thrive in high humidity.(With ANI inputs)
