Over the course of three days, Northwest India experienced relentless rainfall, resulting in severe consequences for the region. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan were particularly affected, with numerous areas witnessing “heavy to extremely heavy” rains. As a result, rivers, creeks, and drains overflowed, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure and widespread disruption of essential services in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. The impact on rail services has been significant, with Northern Railways, responsible for serving the region, bearing the brunt of the adverse conditions.
According to officials, approximately 600 mail/express trains and over 500 passenger trains have been affected due to waterlogging. In response, Northern Railways has taken several measures to mitigate the situation. Around 300 mail/express trains have been cancelled, while 100 trains have been short-terminated, and 191 trains have been diverted to alternative routes. Additionally, 67 trains have been short-originated from different locations, allowing for smoother operations amidst the challenges faced. In light of the heavy waterlogging, Northern Railways has also been compelled to make adjustments to passenger train schedules. As a result, 406 passenger trains have been cancelled, while 28 trains have been diverted, 56 have been short-originated, and 54 have been short-terminated.
These decisions have been necessary to ensure passenger safety and minimize the disruptions caused by the inclement weather conditions. The consequences of the flooding have been far-reaching, with damage to infrastructure posing additional challenges for the affected regions. Communication lines have been severely impacted, hindering the flow of information and coordination of relief efforts. Moreover, power supply has been disrupted in various areas, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents and authorities alike. Efforts are underway to address the situation and provide relief to those affected.
Local authorities, along with disaster management agencies, are working tirelessly to restore essential services, repair infrastructure, and assist affected individuals. The safety and well-being of the residents remain the top priority as the recovery process commences. The unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding have highlighted the vulnerability of the region to such extreme weather events. The need for robust infrastructure, effective disaster management strategies, and proactive measures to address climate change impacts is now more apparent than ever. As the affected states in Northwest India recover from this disaster, it is hoped that lessons will be learned and steps taken to enhance resilience against future challenges of this nature.