North India is reeling from extreme weather events, with relentless monsoon rains causing devastating floods and landslides across the region. The states and territories of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab have been particularly hard-hit, along with the capital city, New Delhi. The intense rainfall, which is reportedly three times the normal amount, has resulted in overflowing rivers, submerged homes and agricultural lands, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

The scale of the disaster is immense. At least 90 people have died in recent weeks. Punjab has been especially hard-hit, with over 40 fatalities reported and nearly 2,000 villages affected. Vast stretches of crops have been destroyed, leaving farmers facing economic ruin. The Yamuna River in Delhi has breached danger levels, forcing the evacuation of thousands. The rainfall has been so extreme that North India recorded its wettest two-week period in at least 14 years. From August 22 to September 4, the region logged nearly three times the normal rainfall, triggering extreme weather in nearly all parts of the region.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the cancellation of planned dinner meetings for its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Members of Parliament (MPs). Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the decision was made in solidarity with the millions of people affected by the severe flooding in Punjab and other northern states. The canceled dinners included those hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President J.P. Nadda. Rijiju emphasized that holding celebratory dinners would be inappropriate at a time when so many are suffering.

The BJP's ongoing workshop for its MPs in Delhi is continuing, with Prime Minister Modi in attendance. The workshop will include participation from NDA allies.

Experts attribute the extreme rainfall to a combination of factors, including climate change, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and poorly planned infrastructure. Anjal Prakash, author of United Nations climate reports, noted that the intensity and frequency of such extreme rainfall events are likely to increase in a warmer world. He also pointed out that the destruction of natural drainage systems and mismanagement of rivers have worsened the flooding.

Meteorologists have observed an unusual interplay of weather systems, including an increased number of western disturbances and moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea. These factors have contributed to the catastrophic rainfall in the Himalayan states and Punjab. Some experts say that the increase in frequency of western disturbances during the monsoon period and the moisture influx from the Arabian Sea are relatively new occurrences and need further scientific exploration.

The economic impact of the floods is expected to be significant, particularly in agricultural regions. Farmers in Punjab, known as the "food bowl of India," have seen their crops decimated, leading to fears about food security and the future of farming in the region. The destruction of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, will also hamper relief efforts and economic recovery.

The recent extreme weather events in North India underscore the growing threat of climate change and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.