Record-breaking monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in northern India, causing devastating floods, landslides, and widespread damage. As of Thursday, the death toll has risen to over 100, with countless others injured or displaced.
Himachal Pradesh State Bears the Brunt
Himachal Pradesh state has been hit the hardest, with at least 88 fatalities and more than 100 injuries reported. The region, located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of New Delhi, witnessed the sweeping away of cars, buses, bridges, and houses as floodwaters raged through. The state government has declared a state of emergency in response to the calamity.
Helicopters have been deployed to rescue nearly 300 individuals, mostly tourists, who were stranded in the Chandertal area since Saturday. Among those rescued were seven sick individuals who were airlifted to safety on Tuesday.
The extent of the devastation is staggering, with close to 170 houses completely collapsed and another 600 suffering extensive damage due to heavy rains and landslides. The state’s emergency operation center is working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those affected.
Tragedy Strikes Uttar Pradesh and Other Areas
In neighboring Uttar Pradesh state, twelve people lost their lives as a result of rain-related incidents since Wednesday. Tragically, nine individuals drowned, two were struck by lightning, and one fell victim to a fatal snake bite. These incidents serve as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by such extreme weather conditions.
Although the Indian-controlled section of Kashmir experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in four fatalities, New Delhi also witnessed significant flooding, particularly in residential areas close to the Jamuna River. Roads, cars, and homes were submerged, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents from low-lying areas. The morning rush hour on Thursday was marred by the chaos caused by numerous vehicles being blocked by sheets of water.
Rallying Together in the Face of Adversity
Record-breaking Water Level in New Delhi’s Jamuna River
The water level of the Jamuna River in India’s capital, New Delhi, has reached a 40-year record high, measuring 207.71 meters (681.5 feet), according to a statement by Arvind Kejriwal, the city’s top elected official.
Thousands Evacuated as Relief Measures Intensify
Unprecedented Devastation Leaves Locals Bewildered
The unprecedented scale of these floods has left residents stunned and perplexed. Rajesh Singh, a factory owner, found himself stranded for hours near the river bank as floodwaters blocked access on both sides of the road. He reflects, “I have never witnessed anything of this magnitude in my 22 years here.”
Abnormal Water Discharge Causes Elevated River Levels
Despite relatively modest rainfall in New Delhi over the past two days, the river’s water level has risen sharply. According to Arvind Kejriwal, this unexpected surge is a result of abnormally high water discharge from the Hathni Kund barrage in nearby Haryana state.
Monsoon Season Brings Relief and Destruction
India’s meteorological agency has predicted further heavy rainfall in the northern regions in the coming days. The country’s monsoon season, which spans from June to September, accounts for the majority of South Asia’s annual rainfall. While these rains are vital for rain-fed crops planted during this period, they often lead to widespread destruction.
Climate Change Impacts India’s Monsoon Season
Scientists are warning that monsoons are becoming increasingly erratic due to climate change and global warming. This phenomenon has resulted in more frequent landslides and flash floods in the Himalayan region of northern India.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as India battles against the challenges posed by an ever-changing climate.
