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North India Plunged into Chaos as Torrential Rain and Floods Wreak Havoc

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Heavy and extremely heavy rainfall has lashed north India, causing widespread destruction and displacement in states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The relentless downpour has triggered flash floods, landslides, and severe waterlogging, claiming lives and damaging infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days, further exacerbating the situation in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days, exacerbating the already critical situation in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Heavy rainfall across north India has severely disrupted train services, with only two trains currently operational connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country.
  • The traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended after rains triggered mudslides and shooting of stones from the hillock at various places.
  • The devastating floods in Punjab have claimed 29 lives and impacted more than 2.56 lakh people, making it the "worst flood in recent history" as described by CM Bhagwant Mann.
  • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sought the release of Punjab's Rs 60,000 crore "pending" funds from the Centre, stating he is demanding the state's "rights" and not "begging" for it.
  • A red alert has been sounded for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for extremely heavy rainfall and flash floods, with both states warned of more landslides and floods in the coming weeks.
  • The water level in the River Tawi has been constantly rising, leading to the closure of multiple routes in Divisional Commissioner Jammu's order.
  • PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a dedicated train service between Kashmir and Delhi to mitigate the challenges faced by fruit growers in the valley.
  • Schools have been asked to remain shut in Chandigarh, Jammu Division, and Himachal Pradesh due to the prevailing weather conditions.
  • At least 1,311 roads, including six national highways, have been closed in Himachal Pradesh, and schools have been shut as heavy rainfall has sent normal life in disarray.

Statistics:

  • 29 lives have been claimed by the devastating floods in Punjab.
  • Over 2.56 lakh people have been impacted by the floods in Punjab.
  • Punjab is seeking the release of Rs 60,000 crore "pending" funds from the Centre.
  • 1,311 roads, including six national highways, have been closed in Himachal Pradesh.
  • The State of Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 3,158 crore this monsoon so far.

Sources:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • The Pioneer
  • Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar
  • PDP president Mehbooba Mufti
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Pioneer.

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