Schools, colleges shut in India's Uttar Pradesh state amid heavy rains

NEW DELHI, September 17: India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday announced shutting down all schools and colleges for the next two days amid incessant rains for more than 24 hours, leading to a floods-like situation.

A red alert has been sounded in many districts, even as the state government advised people not to venture out of their homes and avoid unnecessary travel for the next couple of days.

Heavy rains, up to 100 millimeters, have been recorded in several districts of the state, including Sultanpur, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Sitapur and Ayodhya, leading to floods-like situations in most parts.

More than 10 people have died in rain-related incidents, said media reports.

The state government also issued a warning about strong winds up to 80 kilometers per hour, with thunderstorms and lightning incidents over the next couple of days.

A local resident from the Sitapur told Xinhua over the phone that the incessant rains have hit places around him for over 20 hours amid stormy winds.