Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in many parts of North India. Floods, landslides, and cloudbursts have caused deaths in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts.
Weather: Monsoon rains are currently causing devastation in several North Indian states. Heavy rainfall has severely affected life in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Disasters like flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging are being witnessed in many places. The situation is such that alerts have been issued in many districts, and relief and rescue operations are continuously underway.
Devastation Caused by Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh
Cloudburst incidents in the Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh have worsened the situation. Following heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening, around 15 to 20 laborers are feared to have been washed away in the Manuni Khadd in Kangra, near the construction site of the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project. Two deaths have been confirmed, while more than 10 people are still missing.
The State Disaster Management Department and local administration teams are continuously conducting rescue and search operations. The water level of rivers and streams has suddenly increased due to the floods, posing a threat to the surrounding areas. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rain in Himachal for the next few days.
Risk of Landslides and Floods in Uttarakhand
Due to heavy rainfall, the risk of landslides and floods is present in many districts of Uttarakhand. Red alerts have been issued in Tehri Garhwal, Nainital, Champawat, Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed, and people have been advised to remain vigilant.
An incident has come to light in the Gholthir area of Rudraprayag district where an 18-seater bus fell into the Alaknanda River. One person died in this accident, while seven people were injured. All the injured are being treated at the district hospital.
Waterlogging Due to Record Rainfall in Rajasthan
The monsoon has become fully active in Rajasthan, and heavy rainfall has been recorded in many parts of the state. Rainfall of up to 180 mm has occurred in districts like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The state government has sent special teams to the affected areas for relief and rescue. The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the coming days, which could worsen the situation.
Monsoon's Arrival in Delhi
Monsoon rains had not yet arrived in Delhi, but the Meteorological Department has predicted rain from June 26 to June 30. The humidity and heat in the capital may now subside, and people are expected to get relief from the heat. However, the Delhi-NCR region may also face the problems of waterlogging and traffic jams.
Rain's Fury in Maharashtra and Karnataka
Water has accumulated on roads in areas like Shirpur and Washim in Maharashtra due to continuous heavy rainfall. Traffic has been affected due to waterlogging, and power supply has also been disrupted in some areas.
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of rain for the next three days in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Landslides have occurred on the Shiradi Ghat due to heavy rainfall, bringing traffic to a standstill. The administration has temporarily closed the route.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in many parts of North India for the next few days. The risk of landslides and a rapid increase in the water levels of rivers is present in the hilly states. State governments have been advised to remain vigilant and activate emergency plans.
