The monsoon rain continues to batter northern India, with widespread flooding wreaking havoc in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi. Heavy rains, swollen rivers, and water released from dams have submerged roads, damaged property, and displaced thousands of people. The region is grappling with loss of lives, disrupted essential services, and ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Punjab Faces Worst Floods in Decades
Punjab is bearing the brunt of the flooding crisis, with over 29 people reported dead and more than 2.56 lakh affected across 12 districts since August 1. The state recorded 253.7 mm of rainfall in August, which is 74% above normal and the highest in 25 years. The Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers have swollen due to heavy rain in their catchment areas upstream in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, aggravating the flood situation.
Pathankot district suffered the maximum casualties with six fatalities. Other affected districts include Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, Rupnagar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur. Floodwaters have submerged over 10 districts, damaging homes and infrastructure. The government has closed all colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes until September 3 as a precautionary measure. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
The Indian Armyâs Western Command has rescued over 5,000 civilians and provided 21 tonnes of relief material to those affected. Operations involving helicopters, engineers, and medical teams continue to support flood relief efforts.
Himachal Pradesh Records Wettest August in 76 Years
Himachal Pradesh witnessed its wettest August since 1949, with an unprecedented 431.3 mm of rainfall which is 68% above the normal average of 256.8 mm. This is the ninth-highest August rainfall since records began in 1901. The state saw widespread landslides and damage, especially in Shimla and Solan districts, disrupting railway services and water supply. Three people died in Shimla due to landslides triggered by continuous heavy rain.
The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway faced a block after a massive mountain slide near Mansar. Several trains between Kalka and Shimla were cancelled. Educational institutions remain closed as local authorities deal with disruptions and ongoing threats from further rain and landslips.
Jammu and Kashmir Flood Woes Persist
Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer from flash floods caused by cloudbursts and heavy rains. The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Katra has been suspended for the seventh consecutive day following a landslide on August 26 that killed 34 people. The shrine board has cancelled all bookings with a full refund until the yatra resumes, prioritising pilgrim safety.
Additionally, a landslide on the Kedarnath route killed two pilgrims and injured six others, prompting the temporary suspension of the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages until September 5. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on flood relief measures in Jammu, with officials actively monitoring the situation and damage assessments in affected areas.
Delhi and NCR on Flood Alert
Delhi has experienced heavy rainfall, recording 399.8 mm in August. This is the wettest August in 15 years. The Yamuna River currently flows below the danger level but above the warning level. Yet, water released from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana, upstream of Delhi, is raising concerns. Delhiâs Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh announced preparations to evacuate vulnerable residents along floodplains and ordered round-the-clock patrolling of embankments.
The city was placed under a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy showers on September 1. Authorities have warned residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with safety measures amid the looming flood threat.
Heavy Rain Continues in Uttar Pradesh, Several Districts Under Alert
The rainfall that began on Monday (Septermber 1) in Uttar Pradesh continued through Tuesday, causing significant waterlogging and ongoing relief operations in many districts. The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in western Terai districts like Saharanpur, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar, along with a yellow alert for 22 other districts across the state. Due to the conditions, holidays were declared on Tuesday in several districts including Meerut, Bareilly, Bijnor, Moradabad, Raebareli, and Aligarh. The capital city Lucknow also experienced heavy showers, which led to a drop in temperature and created a pleasant weather condition. Meteorologists indicate that monsoon rains will gradually decrease after September 3, with sunshine returning and temperatures expected to rise over the next few days. During this period, residents are advised to stay cautious and follow continuous weather updates.
Continuing Challenges and Precautions
Authorities across the northern states are on high alert as heavy rains are expected to continue over the next few days. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state services, remain mobilised to provide assistance. Residents have been urged to stay indoors during heavy downpours and follow official advisories to mitigate risk from floods, landslides, and waterlogging.
The ongoing floods stand as one of the worst natural disasters in recent decades for the region, causing extensive human, infrastructural, and economic damage. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy and provide relief to the affected communities.
