As heavy rains and flooding continue to affect parts of the northern Indian state, more than 21,300 people have been evacuated to safer locations across Uttar Pradesh since the beginning of August, according to officials.
Floodwaters have hit dozens of districts and swollen rivers have forced people living in low-lying areas to evacuate. As water levels remain high in many places, rescue and relief efforts have been intensified.
The latest evacuation figure is being reported as the state government continues to send in boats, rescue personnel, medical teams and relief supplies to flood-hit districts.
Uttar Pradesh authorities have been keeping an eye on the rivers, including the Ganga and its tributaries, with water levels in several places near or above the danger mark.
Authorities have set up relief camps and are providing food, drinking water and medical assistance to the displaced residents.
The state government said earlier that more than 19,400 people had been evacuated as of Sept. 7, while 19,496 had been relocated to safer areas by Sept. 8.
The floods have hit at least 25 districts, and 37 districts have reported impact from floods according to the latest state government figures. Officials called on residents of vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders and not to travel into flooded areas.
