In a weekend marred by relentless heavy rainfall, several regions in northwest India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Kashmir, faced severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of flash floods and avalanches in the Lahul and Spiti district, while a “yellow” alert was sounded for Delhi on Sunday. The deluge was not limited to the northern parts of the country, as heavy showers also pounded parts of Kerala, resulting in traffic snarls and waterlogging in low-lying areas. The Jhelum River and its tributaries in Kashmir experienced a rapid rise in water levels, urging authorities to advise residents near water bodies to remain cautious and refrain from approaching the water.
Furthermore, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, eastern Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and parts of Karnataka were also impacted by heavy rainfall. Landslides and flash floods wreaked havoc, leading to road blockages in various areas. The Meteorological Office issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas of Jammu and Kashmir until Monday, and in eastern Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab until Sunday. The capital city, Delhi, experienced its most substantial downpour for a July day in over two decades on Saturday, with 126.1mm of rain recorded between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.
The torrential rainfall, categorized as “very heavy,” caused chaos on the city streets, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert in the afternoon. Sunday morning saw a continuation of the rainfall, affecting various parts of Delhi, including Mayur Vihar Phase. Officials from the IMD attributed Saturday’s unprecedented rain, classified as a consequence of the interaction between monsoon winds and a western disturbance, to the triggering of precipitation across northwestern India. The situation remains dire as the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have left residents grappling with the aftermath.
Waterlogged streets, traffic congestion, and disrupted daily routines have become the norm in the affected areas. The local authorities and disaster management agencies are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact, but the scale of the damage and challenges posed by the continuous rainfall pose significant hurdles. As the region battles the aftermath of this devastating weather event, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and prioritize their safety. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the well-being of the affected population.