Key Points:
- Continuous rains trigger fatal flooding and landslides across India, with casualties in Gujarat, Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana
- Five workers die at hydropower plant in Gujarat, eight devotees found dead after Mani Mahesh Yatra mishap in Himachal
- Punjab floods claim 45 lives; over 1,655 villages affected and lakhs displaced
- Rivers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana overflow army deployed for rescue in many regions
- Schools, highways shut in Jammu & Kashmir; heavy rainfall warnings continue nationwide
New Delhi: Torrential monsoon rains continue to paralyze large swathes of India, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread displacement since late August. The situation remains highly unstable as the Indian Meteorological Department issues fresh warnings for renewed rainfall in the coming days.
Disaster Strikes Gujarat, Himachal, and Jharkhand
In Gujarat, five workers tragically lost their lives after floodwaters breached a hydro power facility, trapping them inside. Rescue operations are ongoing, as authorities rush to minimize further risk near major infrastructure.
During Himachal Pradesh’s sacred Mani Mahesh Yatra pilgrimage, disaster struck as the bodies of eight missing devotees were recovered by mountain rescue teams. Hundreds were evacuated in dramatic operations amid landslides and swollen rivers.
Jharkhand faced a separate tragedy, with four people missing after their van tumbled into a flooded mine near Dhanbad. Teams remain deployed for search and rescue amid hazardous conditions.
Punjab and Rajasthan Grapple with Widespread Devastation
Punjab is experiencing its worst monsoon flood in years. The Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers have overflowed, submerging 1,655 villages and killing at least 45 people. Regions like Fazilka, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana remain crisis zones, with thousands evacuated and crops destroyed across vast rural belts. Reports indicate lakhs have lost their homes, with the state’s agriculture sector facing a record setback.
Ajmer, Rajasthan, saw a disaster at the Boraj dam, where a structural breach led to massive inundation of nearby areas. The waterlogging has hampered transportation and emergency access across the region.
Flood Emergency Escalates in Haryana
Relentless rainfall in Haryana has pushed the Ghaggar and Markanda rivers past critical levels. In Bahadurgarh, authorities called in the army after 3,000 residents were trapped by surging waters. Deaths from flooding and storm-related accidents continue to rise, with three casualties reported in the latest deluge.
High water levels persist in Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Kaithal, prompting intensified evacuation and relief operations. Jhajjar district has been identified as a focal point for emergency intervention.
Jammu & Kashmir Faces Landslides, Highway Closures
Northern India is suffering severe disruption, with landslides closing the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for a fourth consecutive day. The ongoing suspension of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra—one of the country’s major pilgrimages—underscores the gravity of the situation. Local schools and colleges have shut as a precautionary measure, while blocked roads further hinder rescue efforts.
Nationwide Rain Forecast Raises Alarms
The Meteorological Department’s latest forecast predicts more rain and possible escalation of flood emergencies through next week. All affected states have ramped up relief and rescue measures as the situation remains volatile, with large numbers still stranded and vulnerable to further rainfall.
Authorities urge citizens in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders as rescue teams race against worsening weather and rising waters.
