Torrential rains wreaked havoc across North India on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and leaving over 15 people dead with several more missing. Delhi NCR faced severe flooding, building collapses, and electrocutions, while Himachal Pradesh was battered by cloudbursts and flash floods. Uttarakhand also saw significant damage as highways were swept away. Waterlogging was reported in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh as well.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rains in the northern regions, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh on August 1.
Delhi NCR: Seven Dead, Three Injured
In Delhi, at least seven people died and three others were injured due to the heavy rains. A woman and her son drowned in a waterlogged drain near Khoda Colony in Ghazipur. A 12-year-old boy was electrocuted in Bindapur, Dwarka district. Additional fatalities included one person in Subzi Mandi, while three others were injured in building collapses in Shastri Park and Defence Colony. In Gurugram, three individuals died after a high-tension wire fell on them near IFFCO Chowk metro station due to the rains.
Delhi Police reported receiving 2,945 calls about traffic jams, 127 about waterlogging, 27 about building collapses, and 50 about uprooted trees in the past 24 hours.
Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts And Building Collapse
Himachal Pradesh was severely affected by cloudbursts, particularly in Shimla and Mandi districts. Two people were confirmed dead, and over 50 are missing following cloudbursts in Rampur tehsil of Shimla, Padhar tehsil of Mandi, and the villages of Jaon and Nirmand in Kullu.
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reported that NDRF, SDRF, Police, Home Guard, and Fire Services were actively involved in relief and rescue efforts. Minister Jagat Singh Negi noted that the Malana power project barrage in Kullu had collapsed, cutting off road connectivity. A viral video showed a multi-story building being swept away by the swollen Parvati River, with the Beas River also rising above the danger mark.
Uttarakhand: Flash Floods And Landslides
In Uttarakhand, heavy rains and flash floods caused significant disruption in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people. The SDRF has evacuated nearly 1,000 stranded pilgrims from the Kedarnath trek due to landslides and rain damage. Key roads, including the national highway between Rudraprayag and Rishikesh and the route between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, have been severely damaged.
Punjab and Uttar Pradesh: Waterlogging And Fatalities
In Jaipur, three people died after being trapped in a flooded basement amid heavy rains. Waterlogging affected various areas in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. In Lucknow, the UP Vidhan Sabha area was heavily waterlogged, while in Varanasi, water entered parts of the Manikarnika Ghat cremation site. In Bhatinda, extensive waterlogging disrupted daily life.
As the rains continue, authorities across these regions are working tirelessly to manage the crisis and provide relief to affected communities.