Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in North India: Red Alert in Himachal Pradesh
Written by Sanjay Kumar
The northern states of India are currently battling relentless heavy rainfall, resulting in devastating consequences. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and even the capital city of Delhi have been severely affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts and warnings, predicting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next few days. As the situation worsens, several lives have been lost, and numerous regions face waterlogging and landslides.
Himachal Chief Minister’s Appeal to Stay Indoors
In Himachal Pradesh, where all rivers are overflowing, a red alert has been imposed. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged residents to stay indoors for the next 24 hours due to the expected heavy rainfall. The government has set up helplines to assist those affected by the calamity and is actively engaged in rescue operations. Unfortunately, 14 lives have already been lost in the state.
Helpline number – 1100,1070,1077
Uttarakhand: Red Alert and Tragic Incidents
Uttarakhand is also grappling with heavy rainfall, leading to landslides and multiple casualties. The state has been issued a red alert, and five people have lost their lives so far. Tragically, three pilgrims lost their lives when their jeep fell into the Ganga River, while two others died in a house collapse incident in the Kashipur area.
Delhi Witnesses Record-Breaking Rainfall
Delhi, the national capital, experienced rainfall that shattered a 40-year record. In the span of 24 hours, ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, the city recorded a staggering 153 mm of rainfall. This figure represents the highest single-day rainfall in July since 1982. Consequently, waterlogging has disrupted daily life in various parts of Delhi, prompting authorities to issue a yellow alert.
Punjab and Haryana Grapple with Waterlogging and Rising Rivers
The heavy rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas of Punjab and Haryana. In Ambala, Haryana, rivers such as Markanda, Ghaggar, and Tangri are nearing dangerous levels. As a precautionary measure, residents near the Tangri Bank in Ambala Cantonment have been advised to relocate to safer areas.
The torrential downpour in North India has unleashed havoc on the region, with Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and other states suffering the brunt of the rainfall. Lives have been lost, and people are grappling with the aftermath of landslides, collapsed houses, and waterlogging.
The governments of affected states are actively engaged in rescue operations and have set up helplines to assist those in need. The IMD’s warnings of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days call for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected areas.
