Severe rains continue to lash several states in north India, causing major disruption to normal life. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for more heavy rainfall in the coming days. While Delhi-NCR witnessed light showers on Monday morning, the situation in hilly regions and parts of Rajasthan remains serious, with reports of casualties, road closures, and school shutdowns.
Rajasthan has been one of the worst-affected states in the latest spell of rain. According to officials, at least six people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Among the dead are four minors and a government school teacher. The heavy downpour has caused waterlogging and flood-like conditions in several districts, including Bundi, Sawaimadhopur, and Kota.
The continuous rainfall has raised safety concerns, forcing local administrations to take preventive steps. In Jaipur, Nagaur, and Ajmer districts, the collectors issued orders declaring a two-day holiday for schools on August 25 and 26. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of children, as heavy rains could lead to dangerous road conditions and building damages in low-lying areas.
Residents in affected districts have been urged to stay indoors unless necessary and to avoid venturing near water bodies. Authorities have also deployed teams to monitor flood-prone areas and provide relief where required.
The IMD has predicted that rainfall may continue in many parts of Rajasthan, which is likely to increase the risk of waterlogging, overflowing drains, and damage to standing crops.
The situation in the Himalayan states is equally concerning. Himachal Pradesh has been receiving heavy rainfall continuously for the last 18 hours. Several districts, including Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur, have reported landslides and road blockages. In Chamba and Kullu, many roads are completely closed for traffic, isolating some villages from nearby towns.
In view of the risk, all educational institutions in Una, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Hamirpur have been ordered to remain closed on Monday. Locals fear a repeat of the disasters seen in previous monsoons, when heavy landslides and flash floods caused significant damage to life and property.
In Uttarakhand, the IMD has issued an orange alert warning of very heavy rainfall in the coming days. Landslides have already blocked important highways, including the Badrinath route. The Gangotri and Yamunotri highways are also closed, severely affecting the movement of both locals and pilgrims.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Chamoli district on Sunday to review rescue and relief operations. The district had been badly hit by landslides and flash floods a day earlier. The CM assured people that the government is working to restore roads, provide relief materials, and evacuate those in high-risk areas.
Jammu & Kashmir has also been put on alert, with IMD predicting heavy showers in several districts. Authorities have urged people to stay away from rivers and streams as water levels are expected to rise.
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The IMD has repeatedly advised people in affected states to take safety precautions, especially in flood-prone and hilly regions. Residents have been warned not to go near rivers, streams, or other water bodies, as sudden surges in water levels could prove dangerous. Tourists visiting hill stations in Himachal, Uttarakhand, or J&K have also been urged to postpone travel until weather conditions improve.
In Delhi-NCR, light showers were reported early Monday, bringing temporary relief from humid conditions. However, the IMD has forecast more rain in the region throughout the day. While the rainfall in the capital is not as severe as in the hilly states, it may cause traffic jams, waterlogging, and delays in public transport.
The combination of cloudbursts, landslides, and incessant rain across the northern belt has created widespread challenges for local administrations. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been kept on standby in vulnerable districts. State governments have also opened emergency helplines for people needing assistance.
As monsoon rains continue, experts fear that the situation may worsen in some areas if rainfall remains heavy over the next two days. With schools closed in multiple districts, roads blocked due to landslides, and rivers swelling to dangerous levels, life has been disrupted for thousands of families across north India.
The central and state governments have assured citizens that they are monitoring the situation closely and providing all possible assistance. Relief camps, food distribution, and medical facilities are being arranged for affected populations. However, authorities stress that people must remain cautious, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel until the IMD lifts the alerts.
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