The monsoon fury has devastated north India, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. In the past 24 hours, 15 deaths have been reported across the region as heavy rain continue to lash several States for the second consecutive day.
Landslides, flash floods, and severe waterlogging have affected tens of thousands of people, creating a dire situation. Social media platforms have been flooded with pictures and videos showing commuters wading through inundated roads, stranded vehicles, and flooded underpasses.
The worst-hit States include Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. In UP, at least 6 people have died, and over 10,000 people have been displaced due to the floods. At least five people were killed as torrential rain continued to lash HP on Sunday, causing floods and landslides and leading to the washing away of roads and bridges. In Bihar, 4 people have died, and over 5,000 people have been affected by the rains. In Rajasthan, 3 people have died, and over 2,000 people have been displaced. And in Madhya Pradesh, 2 people have died, and over 1,000 people have been affected.
The IMD has forecast more rain in the coming days, warning of a “red alert” in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. The IMD has also advised people to stay away from flooded areas and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
“Himachal Pradesh has decided to close all schools and colleges till Tuesday to ensure the safety of students,” said a government official, highlighting the severity of the situation. Similar steps are being considered by other states as well, prioritizing the well-being of their residents.
The Northern Railways has taken precautionary measures due to the heavy rainfall. “We have canceled around 17 trains and diverted around 12 others,” said an official. Traffic has been suspended at four locations due to extensive waterlogging, causing significant disruptions.
An interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds has intensified the rainfall spell over northwest India, including Delhi. The capital experienced the highest amount of rainfall in a single day in July since 1982.
Concerned about the situation, Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena and J&K LG Manoj Sinha to gather updates on the ground.
Shah commended the efforts of the National Defense Response Force in providing a safe Amarnath Yatra to every pilgrim, stating, “The National Defense Response Force has done an exemplary job in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for several states, predicting heavy rainfall to persist over the next 1-2 days. These alerts serve as a warning for residents.
In Himachal Pradesh, the impact of the heavy rains has been devastating. “We have witnessed landslides, damaged houses, and unfortunate casualties,” said an official. Three members of a family lost their lives in a house collapse triggered by a landslide in the Kotgarh area of Shimla district. A woman also perished when a makeshift house near Kullu town was damaged by a landslide. A person was buried alive in a landslide in Katiyan tehsil of Chamba.
With the state grappling with multiple landslides and flash floods, the emergency operation center reported 13 landslides and nine flash floods in the past 36 hours. The impact on infrastructure has been significant, with 736 roads closed for traffic, and 1,743 transformers and 138 water supply schemes affected.
The Himachal MeT office issued a red alert for extremely heavy rains in seven districts of the state on July 8 and 9. “High flash flood risk is expected in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts,” warned a meteorological expert. The closure of National Highway 21 at 6-mile due to a landslide has caused further disruptions, as it was the same location where commuters were stranded for almost 24 hours on June 27 due to a landslide.
The Aut Bridge, an iconic 50-year-old structure connecting Kullu, Banjar, Luhri, and Rampur, was washed away by the swift current of the Beas River in Mandi district.
Uttarakhand is also on high alert as the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged all state officials to remain vigilant, acknowledging the heavy rainfall alert. “All pilgrims should proceed on their yatra keeping the weather conditions in mind,” advised the Chief Minister, emphasizing caution during the challenging times.
In neighboring Jammu and Kashmir, tragedy struck when a landslide hit a passenger bus in Doda district, claiming two lives. Superintendent of Police (Bhaderwah) Vinod Sharma confirmed the incident, stating, “The bus came under the landslide triggered by rains at village Bhangroo on Thathri-Gandoh road.” A rescue operation was launched, and three trapped passengers were evacuated. Unfortunately, two passengers, identified as Amir Sohail and Mudassar Ali, were declared brought dead upon arrival at Gandoh hospital.
The impact of heavy rains extended to Uttar Pradesh as well, where a woman and her six-year-old daughter lost their lives when the roof of their house collapsed in Muzaffarnagar district. In another incident, a 10-year-old girl died when a tree branch fell on the tin shed of her house in Sirathu. Her younger brother sustained injuries and has been admitted to a hospital.
Rajasthan also faced the wrath of heavy rainfall, resulting in four deaths. Two individuals died due to lightning strikes in Chittorgarh, while two others drowned in separate incidents in Sawai Madhopur.
Ladakh, known for its picturesque landscapes, experienced unseasonal snowfall and heavy rains, prompting a red alert from the meteorological department. Landslides occurred on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar National Highway, forcing its closure and disrupting transportation.
In the face of such devastation, communities across the region have rallied together, providing support and relief to those affected. Relief camps have been set up, offering food, shelter, and medical aid to those in need. The government, organizations, and individuals have joined forces to rebuild and heal the wounds inflicted by the relentless downpour.
(With inputs from agencies)
