Key Points
- Southwest Monsoon covers almost entire India; heavy rains reported in multiple states
- Himachal Pradesh worst hit: 5 dead, 16 missing, 406 roads closed, widespread damage in Mandi district
- IMD issues orange and yellow alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in several states
- Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh among states to receive heavy rainfall
- Rescue operations underway; over 330 people rescued in Himachal Pradesh
- Landslide and flood warnings in hilly and low-lying areas
- South India also to experience significant rainfall, especially in Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka
New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has now enveloped almost the entire country, bringing widespread rainfall and a mix of relief and devastation. While many states are enjoying the cooling showers, others especially the hilly regions are battling the fury of nature.
Delhi and the Plains: Rain Brings Relief, Humidity Returns
Delhi experienced a refreshing spell of rain at the end of June, but the monsoon’s arrival was quickly followed by a return of heat and humidity on July 1. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Delhi will likely see torrential rains until July 7, bringing both relief and the risk of waterlogging.
Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts, Flash Floods, and Widespread Destruction
Himachal Pradesh, particularly Mandi district, is reeling from the monsoon’s devastating impact:
- Casualties and Missing: At least 5 people have died, 5 are injured, and 16 remain missing after a series of cloudbursts and flash floods.
- Infrastructure Damage: Since Monday evening, Mandi has recorded a staggering 253.8 mm of rainfall. The deluge has led to the closure of 406 roads (248 in Mandi alone), disruption of nearly 1,000 power transformers, and damage to 24 houses, 12 cattle sheds, a bridge, and several roads.
- Rescue Operations: Emergency teams have rescued 332 people across the state, including 278 from Mandi, 51 from Hamirpur, and 3 from Chamba.
- Alerts Issued: The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur districts for Wednesday, and in Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi on Saturday.
Uttarakhand: Continuous Rain, Landslide Threats, and Char Dham Yatra at Risk
Uttarakhand has also been receiving persistent rainfall since the onset of the monsoon. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and lightning in Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora, and Champawat. Other districts, including Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli, are also on alert.
- Char Dham Yatra: Pilgrims are being warned about potential landslides along the Char Dham routes.
- Flood and Landslide Risk: Authorities urge residents and travelers to remain vigilant due to the heightened risk of landslides in hilly areas and flooding in low-lying regions.
Heavy Rain Forecast Across North, Central, and South India
The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in:
- North and Central India: Isolated places in Jharkhand, Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Odisha, Punjab, and West Bengal.
- Northwest, East, and Central India: Monsoon activity is expected to remain strong, with heavy rains likely in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh until July 7, and in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until July 5-7.
- South India: Telangana is set for heavy rain today, Kerala from today until July 5, and Karnataka from today until July 7. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may experience thunderstorms, while light to moderate rain with lightning is expected in other southern regions.
Warnings and Preparedness
- Landslide and Flood Warnings: The IMD and state authorities are urging people in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Rescue and Relief: Emergency services are on high alert, with rescue teams deployed in the worst-hit areas.
The 2025 monsoon has brought both life-sustaining rain and destructive floods to India. While the showers are vital for agriculture and water supply, the accompanying disasters in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand highlight the urgent need for preparedness and caution. With alerts in place across much of the country, authorities are working tirelessly to minimize damage and protect lives.
