Northern India has been hit by heavy rains, leading to severe flooding and landslides that have resulted in the closure of schools and the loss of at least 22 lives, according to officials and local media. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that the “intense rainfall spell” will continue in the region, with “extremely heavy rainfall” expected in the northeastern and eastern parts of the country throughout the week.
The majority of the extreme rainfall, categorized as more than 20 centimeters or about 8 inches, has been concentrated in the northern tip of India, with the state of Punjab recording 35 centimeters. Drone footage has shown widespread flooding in Punjab triggered by heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a “red alert” for the state of Himachal Pradesh, warning of further flooding and landslides on Monday and advising residents to stay away from vulnerable structures. Himachal Pradesh has already been severely affected by the extreme weather, with landslides and severe flooding reported. The Times of India has reported that at least seven people, including three members of a family, have died in landslides in the state.
Over the weekend, more than two dozen people were stranded after a river changed its course, leaving them stuck in the middle of the river. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, has stated that tourists stranded in parts of the state due to damaged roads will be evacuated as soon as the weather permits. He also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation.
In Delhi, the capital city of India, schools have been closed on Monday after the city experienced torrential rains over the weekend. Delhi is one of the most populated metros in the world, and the heavy rainfall has caused significant disruption.
India is currently in the midst of its monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rains and flooding. In July 2021, landslides and floods resulted in the deaths of at least 127 people. The country has also experienced extreme flooding in the past, with thousands losing their lives in northern India in 2013. Research has indicated that climate change poses a threat of more intense and frequent extreme flooding.
The heavy rains have not only affected India but also caused havoc in other parts of the world. In the northeastern United States, floods have claimed the life of at least one person, while torrential rains and landslides in Japan have resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals.
How has the destruction caused by the floods in northern India impacted the daily lives of the local population and the agricultural sector?
D destruction and submerged villages in the affected areas, with roads and bridges washed away by the torrential rains.
The heavy downpour has caused severe flooding in several districts, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, leading to the closure of schools and colleges for safety reasons. Local authorities have set up relief camps in affected areas to provide shelter and basic necessities to those displaced by the floods.
Tragically, the heavy rainfall has claimed the lives of at least 22 people, according to officials and local media. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local administration working tirelessly to evacuate stranded individuals and provide assistance to those affected.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of more intense rainfall in the northeastern and eastern parts of the country throughout the week. People living in low-lying areas and near rivers have been advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The heavy rains have also caused landslides, further exacerbating the situation. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, mountainous regions are particularly vulnerable to landslides, resulting in road blockages and the disruption of transportation services.
The government has deployed additional rescue teams and resources to the affected areas to expedite relief efforts. Helicopters have been used to airlift stranded people and deliver essential supplies to remote locations cut off by the floods.
The floods have not only affected the daily lives of the local population but have also disrupted the agricultural sector. Crops have been submerged, leading to significant losses for farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Efforts are underway to assess the damage caused by the floods and provide adequate assistance to the affected individuals and communities. The state governments, along with various relief organizations, are working together to ensure the timely delivery of aid and support to those in need.
It is essential for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for any further deterioration in the situation. With the forecast of more heavy rainfall, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of every individual affected by the floods in northern India.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastating floods and landslides in Northern India. The continuous heavy rains have worsened the situation, claiming precious lives. Urgent relief efforts and support are needed in this critical time. Stay strong, Northern India.