New Delhi: Heavy rains continued to lash several parts of north India, causing floods, landslides, waterlogging, and disruption of normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather warning for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, as heavy downpours continued for the third consecutive day.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand witnessed a cloudburst in the Purola area of Uttarkashi district on Friday morning, triggering flash floods and damaging several houses and shops. The IMD issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of the state, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli. The water level of the Ganga River also rose above the danger mark in Haridwar.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh reported 16 deaths and widespread damage due to rains, floods, and landslides. The Beas River swelled due to the downpour, sweeping away bridges, homes, and cars. The Shimla-Kalka highway remained blocked due to landslides. A cloud burst in the Thunag area of Mandi district caused flash floods. The state government ordered the closure of all educational institutions till July 25.
Punjab
Punjab also faced a flood-like situation as several rivers and canals overflowed due to heavy rains. The Army rescued 910 students and 50 others from a private university in the Ropar district after it was flooded with water. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh directed all deputy commissioners to remain on high alert and monitor the situation closely. He also asked the irrigation department to ensure proper regulation of water release from the dams.
Haryana
Haryana witnessed waterlogging and traffic snarls in several parts of the state, especially in Gurugram and Faridabad. The Yamuna River crossed the danger mark in the Yamunanagar district, prompting the authorities to evacuate people from low-lying areas. The state government also issued an advisory to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
Delhi
Delhi received heavy rainfall on Friday morning, leading to waterlogging and traffic jams in many areas. The Yamuna River also rose above the warning level in the national capital. The Delhi government deployed teams of the flood control department and the irrigation and water resources department to monitor the situation. The IMD predicted more rain in the city for the next two days.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra also faced heavy rains and floods in several parts of the state, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. At least eight persons died and over 1,000 people were shifted from flood-prone areas. Several dams in the region had to open their gates to discharge excess water, causing flooding downstream. A state transport bus was swept away by a flooded culvert in Yavatmal district, killing four people. Mumbai and its suburbs also received heavy showers, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The IMD issued an orange alert for widespread rainfall in Maharashtra for the next five days.
