New Delhi: Torrential rainfall in north India has caused widespread destruction, claiming the lives of at least 40 people in the past two days. Regions severely affected by the heavy downpour include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Delhi-NCR region. The calamitous weather has resulted in landslides, submergence of roads and buildings, and swollen rivers.

Rescue operations and assistance

Local authorities, along with the Army and National Disaster Response Force teams, have launched rescue operations to aid those affected by the floods. Frightening visuals depicting the chaos and devastation have been circulating on social media, showing submerged vehicles, buildings, and collapsed portions of roads.

Himachal Pradesh remains most severely hit

Himachal Pradesh has been particularly hard hit by landslides and flash floods triggered by the torrential rainfall. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged residents to stay indoors while the government has established a war room and emergency helpline numbers (1100, 1070, 1077) to intensify relief and rescue efforts.

Uttarakhand sacked with landslides, flash floods

Uttarakhand has also experienced landslides and flash floods, with water levels in several rivers and streams reaching dangerous levels. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives when their vehicles were buried under debris caused by a landslide on Gangotri National Highway in Uttarkashi.

PM Modi takes stock of the situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has interacted with the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, assuring them of all possible assistance from the central government in managing the crisis.

Delhi-NCR waterlogging 

Waterlogging in various parts of the Delhi-NCR region, including the national capital and Gurgaon, has led to the closure of schools. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after a high-level meeting with officials and ministers, stated that floods are unlikely in the city. However, if necessary, people from low-lying areas will be shifted to safer locations. The release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana has caused the water level in Delhi’s Yamuna river to reach dangerous levels, leading to a temporary suspension of rail traffic on the Old Yamuna rail bridge.

Impact on Other States

The heavy rainfall has also resulted in waterlogging and traffic congestion in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

What to expect in upcoming days?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rainfall in the coming days for the affected regions of north India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and the Delhi-NCR region, until July 12.

As the situation unfolds, authorities and rescue teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to the affected areas, while people are advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions provided by local authorities.