Heavy rainfall in North India causes widespread devastation

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

North India has been ravaged by heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread devastation and claiming over 28 lives in the past three days.

Cities and towns are grappling with submerged roads and buildings, causing significant disruption to normal life.

The weather department has forecasted more downpours in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Delhi, along with their adjoining areas over the next few days.

Disturbing images circulated online, depicting the chaos caused by the heavy rain. Vehicles were seen floating like paper boats, residential areas inundated with muddy water, and structures submerged along riverbanks. Himachal Pradesh faced landslides and flash floods, leading to damage to houses and infrastructure. Flash floods in areas like Manali, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba washed away shops and vehicles as major rivers swelled, including the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan, and Chenab.

To mitigate further risks, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu urged residents to stay indoors for the next 24 hours. Helplines have been set up, and the government is on high alert, with over 1,300 roads, including major highways, impacted. Uttarakhand also reported landslides and flash floods, with water levels in rivers and streams crossing the danger mark.

The heavy rain also affected Delhi and its neighboring areas, resulting in school closures and waterlogging. The Delhi government established control rooms to monitor flood-prone areas. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured that floods were unlikely in the city but stated that necessary measures would be taken to ensure the safety of residents.

Other regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to extensive waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities are actively engaged in relief efforts to assist the affected population.

The situation remains critical, and the governments at various levels are working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the heavy rain. Efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, providing assistance to those affected, and implementing measures to mitigate further risks posed by the ongoing rainfall.

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