Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Shravasti and Balrampur on Thursday.

During the survey, he gathered detailed information from officials regarding the extent of the floods and directed them to expedite the delivery of relief materials to those affected.

Following the aerial survey, the chief minister visited the flood-affected areas on the ground. He interacted with children and women impacted by the disaster and oversaw the distribution of relief materials to those in need.

In a gesture of support, the chief minister handed out cheques of Rs 4 lakh each to families who had lost their loved ones due to the floods.

In recognition of their efforts, the chief minister honored Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel who helped evacuate flood victims to the safe zones, presenting them with certificates of appreciation. He also announced special rewards and cash prizes for their bravery and service.

State Minister Swatantra Dev Singh and other local public representatives were also present during the chief minister’s visit, supporting the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected regions.

The chief minister conducted an aerial survey of all the flood-affected villages in Ikauna tehsil of Shravasti to assess the flood situation there with the officials. Devi Patan Divisional Commissioner Shashi Bhushan Sushil and Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi informed the chief minister that the floods were caused in the district by the sudden release of water from Nepal following heavy rainfall in that country. Currently, the water level is gradually decreasing.

Following this, Chief Minister Yogi inspected the Lakshmanpur Kothi Rapti Barrage on the ground. There, he met with each of the 11 victims rescued from the floods and enquired about their well-being. During his visit, the chief minister interacted affectionately with the children present there and distributed candies and biscuits to them.

He honoured Rekha Devi, the village guide, and five PAC jawans who gave information about the people trapped in the floods by giving them certificates. He also announced cash rewards for them. He also handed out cheques of Rs 4 lakh each to four families who lost loved ones in the disaster.

In his address to the flood victims, Chief Minister Yogi stated that immediate assistance is being provided to the families of farmers and sharecroppers who lost their lives due to various disasters, including human-wildlife conflict, snake bites, and lightning strikes.

He mentioned that currently 12 districts in the state are affected by floods, impacting 633 villages across 33 tehsils, with a total affected population of approximately 17.97 lakh, including over 18,000 cattle. More than 1.45 lakh hectares of agricultural land have also been affected, he added.

Meanwhile, over 923 flood outposts have been established to monitor the flood situation and relief efforts. Additionally, more than 1,033 flood shelters have been set up to house the flood-affected people.

In Shravasti alone, 116 villages are either fully or partially affected by floods. The soil erosion situation is critical in 15 villages, affecting a population of 76,000 and over 23,000 hectares of agricultural land. The chief minister emphasised that the state government is conducting relief operations with full force, which is why the loss of life and property has been minimal despite the ongoing flood crisis.

He held a meeting with officials and directed them to survey the flood-damaged crops and provide immediate compensation, along with other necessary instructions.

While talking to the families affected by the flood disaster, Chief Minister Yogi stated that the government stands with them in this time of crisis and that they need not worry about anything. “The state government is trying to help you in every possible way. Our effort is to ensure you don’t face any problems,” he remarked. 

He mentioned that around 50,000 people and more than 32,000 hectares of agricultural land are affected by the floods in Balrampur. For relief work, boats have been arranged by the NDRF, SDRF and PAC Flood Units along with the administration. Instructions have been given to provide houses under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana to those whose houses have been damaged by the floods.