Flood crisis in northern India: residents craft makeshift boats from plastic bottles to escape rising waters

July 13, 2024

by Aditi Verma

With floodwaters surpassing 3 ft. in parts of northern India’s Uttar Pradesh a large number of residents are resorting to makeshift boats crafted from empty plastic bottles to evacuate themselves amid delays in government aid.

The incident took place in Shahjahanpur District on July 11.

Visuals showed in the flooded area, where water had risen over three feet, people ingeniously crafted a makeshift boat using numerous interconnected plastic bottles. These bottles were carefully arranged inside a large plastic sheet to form a stable platform that could navigate the flooded area effectively. The boat supported 8-10 individuals, each seated cautiously to maintain balance, with some clutching a pole to prevent any mishaps. This improvised vessel served as a vital lifeline, ensuring safe passage for those stranded amidst the rising waters.

According to reports Shahjahanpur is reeling under severe flooding caused by the overflowing Ghagra River, inundating homes and displacing over 10,000 residents. Rescue operations are in full swing as people seek refuge amidst rising waters.

The situation in Shahjahanpur has turned dire as floodwaters from the Ghagra River have engulfed most access routes into the city, including the Lucknow-Delhi highway. Many neighborhoods, such as Avash Vikas Colony, are submerged under several feet of water, forcing residents to seek shelter on rooftops overnight.

Emergency teams, including district administration and relief units, are conducting rescue operations using boats to evacuate stranded individuals to safer locations.

The flooding has also led to power outages across the area, exacerbating the plight of those affected. Medical facilities, like the Government Medical College, have been inundated, prompting the evacuation of patients to private hospitals amid worsening conditions. As the flood situation persists, authorities continue to coordinate relief efforts and provide necessary assistance to mitigate the crisis.