Central and northern India are grappling with the effects of heavy rainfall, including traffic disruptions and substantial waterlogging. Himachal Pradesh bore the brunt of the downpour, with cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides causing considerable damage and disruption. The region has reported at least 69 deaths due to rain-related events. The IMD has issued red and orange alerts across several states, signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Red alerts have been issued for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, while orange alerts are in effect for Jharkhand, Haryana, and Mumbai. The weather department forecasts intense rainfall in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Rajasthan as well. The Mandi district of Himachal has been particularly affected, with residents facing discomfort due to the humid conditions exacerbated by road closures caused by heavy rain and landslides.
The upcoming 48 hours are expected to bring heavy rains to Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The IMD projects the southwest monsoon to remain active over the western Himalayan region and the plains for the next week. People are encouraged to remain vigilant, take preventative measures to ensure their safety during rain-related incidents, and to monitor the latest weather updates from the IMD. It’s recommended to take shelter in secure locations, minimize travel, and avoid contact with electrical sources.