North India Rain Havoc: Over a Dozen Dead, Delhi’s Rainfall Hits 40-Year High

New Delhi: At least 12 fatalities have been reported in the past 48 hours as heavy rainfall battered several regions in northern India. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued predictions of heavy to extremely heavy rain in several states including Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The intense rain, attributed to a western disturbance over the region, caused significant waterlogging and traffic congestion in Delhi. The capital city recorded the highest July rainfall in a single day since 1982, with 153 mm of precipitation in 24 hours.

Delhi and its neighbouring areas continue to experience heavy rain, leading to further waterlogging and power outages, while Gurugram also faced similar challenges. Tragically, a 58-year-old woman lost her life in Delhi when her flat’s ceiling collapsed, and four individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Rajasthan.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, a woman and her six-year-old daughter were killed when their house collapsed due to heavy rain. Similarly, three family members in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla also lost their lives in a similar incident.

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed two Army soldiers swept away in flash floods in the Poonch district. In response to the adverse weather conditions, the annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for three consecutive days. Additionally, landslides and heavy rain led to the closure of roads in several Himachal Pradesh districts, prompting a “red” alert from the IMD.

In southern India, Kerala and Karnataka experienced incessant rainfall, leading to a “yellow” alert in four districts of Kerala. The IMD also issued a “red” alert for seven districts in Himachal Pradesh, where landslides and flash floods disrupted transportation.

Furthermore, heavy rain affected parts of Haryana and Punjab, accompanied by a drop in temperatures below normal levels. Chandigarh, serving as the shared capital of both states, witnessed continuous rainfall throughout the day.

The region anticipates more showers in the coming days, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness.