Across North India, torrential rains and severe flooding have disrupted life, causing widespread damage and claiming numerous lives. Several states are grappling with overflowing rivers, landslides, and inundated communities, prompting red alerts and large-scale rescue operations.
Himachal Pradesh has been particularly hard-hit, experiencing its highest August rainfall since 1949. Landslides triggered by the incessant rain have claimed lives and blocked vital roads, effectively cutting off entire districts. The state government has declared Himachal Pradesh a disaster-affected area, with significant financial assistance promised for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Since June 20, the state has recorded 340 deaths, including 182 related to rain incidents.
Punjab is facing what is being described as its worst flooding since 1988. The Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers are dangerously swollen, submerging villages and destroying crops across 23 districts. Over 256,000 people have been affected, and the state government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges until September 7th. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief during visits to the affected areas.
In Jammu and Kashmir, continuous rainfall has caused rivers to surge above danger levels. A woman and her daughter died in Rajouri, and dozens were trapped in Akhnoor after the Chenab River overflowed. The Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed due to multiple landslides, and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended.
The National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi and Haryana, has also been severely affected. In Delhi, the Yamuna River crossed the danger mark, flooding homes and prompting evacuations. Waterlogging paralyzed traffic in Gurugram, with several roads and underpasses inundated. Haryana has placed several districts on red alert.
Uttarakhand is also facing a crisis, with rivers like the Ganga, Mandakini, and Alaknanda flowing above dangerous levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the state, issuing red or orange alerts for all districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several states, warning of potential flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging. While a temporary reduction in rainfall is expected in North India starting Thursday, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next week.
Rescue and relief operations are underway in the affected regions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams, and the Army, Air Force, and Navy have mobilized personnel and helicopters. Authorities are urging people to remain cautious and have suspended pilgrimages to several Himalayan shrines.