Torrential rains across northern India have claimed at least 28 lives as heavy downpours triggered landslides, traffic chaos, and house collapses, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions. This marks the second consecutive day of severe weather, with Rajasthan being the hardest hit. The state reported 16 fatalities over two days—two on Saturday and 14 on Sunday. In the Karauli district alone, “exceptionally heavy rainfall” of 38 cm was recorded.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma convened a meeting with officials to discuss safety measures amid the ongoing deluge. He emphasized that “the safety of all citizens of Rajasthan is our top priority.” Sharma also posted on social media that necessary guidelines were issued to strengthen disaster management efforts immediately.
Heavy rains also battered parts of Punjab and Haryana. In Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, several villages were flooded after the Som river’s embankment breached. In Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, nine people, including eight members of a family, died on Sunday when their vehicle was swept away by an overflowing seasonal rivulet. Many agricultural fields were submerged, prompting the deployment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration suspended the annual Amarnath Yatra due to heavy rains in the Shri Amarnathji Yatra area. Himachal Pradesh faced severe disruptions as landslides and flash floods claimed three lives, left one person missing, and led to the closure of over 280 roads, affecting 458 power and 48 water supply schemes. In Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun, a woman and her seven-year-old son died when the roof of their house collapsed under the weight of the rain. Uttarakhand also faced a major landslide that temporarily blocked the Mandakini river at Bhimbali.
In Delhi, heavy rains led to widespread waterlogging and traffic snarls across several road stretches. Tragically, a seven-year-old boy drowned in a waterlogged park in Rohini’s Sector 20 on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for the national capital, with light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers expected today. The IMD has issued an advisory urging residents to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Meanwhile, in Karnataka, a flood alert was issued downstream of the Pampa Sagar dam after a malfunctioning gate released a large amount of water, further compounding the flood risks in the region.
