Heavy Rainfall Causes Chaos in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

NDRF personnel during a rescue operation for missing persons who were feared swept away in the recent cloudburst-triggered flash floods at Sainj valley, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. (PTI Photo)

High-risk zones identified:

• East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
• Adjoining Vidarbha and Telangana
• Parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra
• Uttarakhand and Haryana

ON CAM: Flash Floods Wreak Havoc In Himachal Pradesh's Kullu, Over 20 Vehicles Damaged

Uneven rainfall patterns across the country:

• Himachal Pradesh: Orange alert issued
• Uttarakhand: Landslides, highway disruptions & yatra suspension
• Jammu & Kashmir: Chenab river swells amid incessant rain

Most parts of India are likely to receive above-normal rainfall in July, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities have been urged to monitor river catchment areas closely and remain on alert for landslides and waterlogging, particularly in vulnerable states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra outlined the core areas expected to receive intense precipitation this month. These include rivers such as the Godavari, Mahanadi, and Krishna. Above-normal rainfall is predicted in the upper Mahanadi catchment, which includes Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated locations. Rainfall activity is expected to remain high until July 1, with intermittent moderate showers continuing until July 6.

Uttarakhand has experienced heavy rainfall triggering landslides, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services. The Char Dham Yatra, briefly suspended due to weather warnings, has now resumed. Electricity and water supply were affected in areas of Tehri Garhwal.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the Chenab River continues to swell, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. River rafting has been suspended, and residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to higher ground.

According to the source: Times of India.