Monsoon rains spread havoc in Lucknow

Lucknow, Aug 22 (ANI): Following heavy downpour over the past couple of days, low lying areas, streets and agricultural fields remain submerged in water in Lucknow.

Authorities said that more than 650 villages were cut off in Uttar Pradesh, as rivers broke through embankments, swamping villages and affecting nearly 1.5 million people.

Most rivers were flowing over the danger level and villagers complained that their houses as well as farms are submerged in water.

"Our fields have been ruined and the houses are submerged. We do not know where to go and what to do," said Ram Sewak, a villager.

Heavy rains have destroyed paddy and wheat crops, the main source of livelihood in the state.

"Entire paddy fields are under water and everything has been destroyed. Even are houses are in a bad state," said Ramashree, a farmer.

Uttar Pradesh is the country's most populous state with 170 million people, and is also one of the most flood-prone regions in the country. (ANI)