Torrential rains continue to batter northern India, leaving behind a trail of destruction across several states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The ongoing monsoon has caused landslides, flash floods, road closures, and tragic loss of life.
In Uttarakhand, three people have drowned due to rapidly rising water levels in streams. On Monday, one person was swept away by the strong currents of the Bhakhra stream near Haldwani, while two others drowned on Sunday near Bhujiyaghat after a stream overflowed due to heavy rain.
The weather has also caused landslides in parts of the state. Two shops were crushed under debris and boulders in Rudraprayag district after a hillside collapsed overnight. In Dehradun, schools and anganwadi centres were ordered shut on Monday due to persistent heavy rains.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh has also suffered tragic incidents. In Mandi district, three people — identified as Devrat, Mangal Chand, and Ashu — died when their vehicle skidded on a wet road and fell into a deep gorge near a drain between Magrugla and Majhwal. Two others in the car were injured. The group was returning home after working during the apple season in Shankardehra.
The state continues to reel from the impact of the monsoon. 310 roads, including a national highway, have been shut due to landslides and waterlogging. In Panthaghati, near Shimla, a landslide blocked the Mehli-Shogi bypass and damaged nearby shops.
The local weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas for both Monday and Tuesday. So far, 103 people have lost their lives this monsoon in Himachal Pradesh. The causes include 20 drownings, 19 falls, 17 cloudbursts, eight flash floods, and six landslides. Another 36 people remain missing.
In Uttar Pradesh, at least 13 districts are under flood conditions. Major rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Betwa, and Kali are flowing above the danger level in many areas.
According to a report by the state relief commissioner's office:
Ganga is above the red mark in Varanasi, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, and Ballia.
Yamuna is overflowing in Auraiya, Kalpi, Hamirpur, Prayagraj, and Banda.
Betwa has breached the danger mark in Hamirpur.
As per the latest data, 24 districts received heavy rainfall on Sunday. Some of the worst-hit areas include Prayagraj, Jalaun, Auraiya, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Kanpur (city and Dehat), Banda, Etawah, Fatehpur, and Chitrakoot.
The state recorded 14.2 mm of rainfall on Sunday, contributing further to the already rising water levels.
Rajasthan also faced intense rainfall, especially in the Sawai Madhopur district. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas including Chakeri, Jadawata, Ajanoti, Mainpura, Dhanauli, and Surwal. He also inspected the damaged Bodal culvert in Khandar.
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Officials have predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall in several northeastern parts of Rajasthan over the next two to three days.
In a statement, CM Sharma said, “All necessary help must be provided without delay. The administration should remain on alert and ensure people don’t face more hardship.”
The northern part of India is facing a severe monsoon crisis with ongoing rains triggering flooding, landslides, road blockages, and fatal accidents. Rivers have overflowed, cutting off access and threatening more damage. Rescue efforts are ongoing in all affected states. Authorities remain on high alert and are urging people in vulnerable areas to stay safe and follow safety advisories.
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