Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across northern India, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives and causing landslides and flash floods. The national capital, Delhi, witnessed its wettest July day in decades, leading to the closure of schools. The Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh destroyed a bridge and several hutments, while authorities used helicopters to rescue stranded individuals. Punjab, Delhi, and Uttarakhand faced extensive flooding, with rescue operations employing rubber rafts to reach people trapped in their homes. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh urged residents to stay indoors as more heavy rainfall was anticipated.
Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have experienced rainfall surpassing average levels by 112%, 100%, and 70%, respectively, since the start of the monsoon season on June 1. Landslides in Himachal Pradesh resulted in the closure of approximately 700 roads. The Indian meteorological department predicts further rainfall in the coming days, as the monsoon season, which accounts for a significant portion of South Asia's annual rainfall, grows increasingly unpredictable and intensified due to climate change.
In recent days, northern India has been grappling with the devastating impact of monsoon rains, leading to loss of life and widespread destruction. The capital city, Delhi, experienced an unprecedented deluge, marking it as the wettest July day in decades. The heavy rainfall prompted authorities to close schools as a precautionary measure. The states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, situated in the Himalayan region, have been particularly affected by the incessant downpour. Urgent advisories were issued, urging residents to stay indoors and venture out only if necessary. Flash floods wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the collapse of a vital bridge and the destruction of numerous hutments. Distressing footage captured by ANI showed helicopters being deployed for rescue operations, as people were left stranded on roads and bridges due to the rising floodwaters.
Floodwaters also engulfed several areas in Punjab, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, leading to the displacement of residents and the need for swift rescue operations. In some regions, rescue teams utilized rubber rafts to navigate through the flooded streets and reach people trapped inside their homes. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, took to social media to issue an urgent appeal, urging people to stay indoors and remain vigilant as meteorologists predicted further heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. The extent of the rainfall in Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh has far exceeded the average precipitation levels for this time of the year. Delhi received a staggering 153mm of rain, marking the highest single-day precipitation in July in the last 40 years. Reports indicate that Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have experienced rainfall exceeding the average by 112%, 100%, and 70%, respectively, since the onset of the monsoon season on June 1.
The consequences of the heavy rains have been severe, with landslides in Himachal Pradesh blocking nearly 700 roads and causing significant disruption to transportation. The Indian meteorological department has issued warnings of additional rainfall across large parts of northern India in the coming days. These monsoon rains, which are crucial for South Asia's water resources and agriculture, have become increasingly erratic and intense, a trend attributed to the impact of climate change. As the monsoon season progresses, experts emphasize the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the devastating effects of such extreme weather events. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of regions to the impacts of climate change, urging governments and communities to prioritize climate resilience and adaptation strategies to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of future monsoon seasons.
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
