BAREILLY: A boat carrying 20 people capsized in Chauka river in Nakha block of Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district on Thursday. Nineteen people were rescued by the NDRF while one was found dead. Two of the survivors are critical and being treated at the district hospital.
This is the third such accident reported in 24 hours in the region. Eight people from a boat capsizing incident in the area on Wednesday are still missing. District magistrate (DM) Kheri Arvind Kumar Chaurasiya said, “As many as 1,222 people have been rescued by district administration from flood-affected areas. Three deaths were reported in 48 hours."
"The latest incident was reported from Navapur village. A few locals were crossing the Chauka river with vegetables and other items to reach Ghosiana. The water level was not so high in the river, but the boat struck a bridge pillar, lost its balance and capsized," said SDM Sadar Arun Kumar Singh.
Palia, Sadar, Gola, Dhaurahra and Nighasan tehsils are affected by the overflowing Ghaghra, Mohana and Sharda rivers. Palia is the worst hit. Local MLA Romi Sahni had to use boats to reach his constituency and distribute flood relief materials. Kitchens in local gurdwaras meanwhile are providing food to affected villagers round the clock.
When asked about the current situation, the Kheri DM said, “All the rivers in the district are swollen due to incessant rains in Uttarakhand and Nepal. People were advised to stay away, but they are still venturing out on crowded boats in deep water. We will now seize boats, if we find people moving towards the river without permission. Only the boats with rescue teams and flood relief materials will be allowed to move in the river.”
Meanwhile, BJP MP Varun Gandhi visited the flood-affected areas in Pilibhit district where he distributed 5,000 ration packets. The ration packets were arranged by Varun from his own funds.
