The states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in North India have been severely affected by heavy rainfall, leading to devastating floods and substantial damage. The impact has resulted in loss of life and widespread destruction, as witnessed in numerous videos circulating on social media platforms. The State Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for seven out of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall. Furthermore, a yellow alert has been issued for the Lahaul-Spiti district, indicating a lower level of caution compared to the red and orange alerts. An orange and red alert has also been sounded for Uttarakhand, implying that there is a “very high risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall”.
In summer the only thing one wishes for is rain, but that too can become deadly if crosses safe levels. The monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to different parts of India, leading to the flooding of rivers, especially in the northern and northeastern regions where the Himalayan rivers flow. Additionally, coastal areas and states like Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala are also prone to flooding due to their proximity to the sea and the heavy rainfall they receive.
These videos depict the alarming scenes of cars being swept away by the forceful flow of water.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Landslide near Gambrola Bridge in Bilaspur halts traffic movement on the route.
— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2023
The state is ravaged due to floods and landslides due to incessant heavy rainfall here for the past 2-3 days. pic.twitter.com/6f1J9n3B8R
The capital city of New Delhi has experienced an unusually high amount of rainfall, marking one of the heaviest downpours in decades. On Sunday, numerous areas of the capital witnessed roads being submerged in knee-deep water due to heavy rainfall. New Delhi received a record-breaking 153 mm of rain in a single day, making it the highest precipitation in July in the past four decades.
Apparently the road between Rohini Sector 4 and 5 has caved in. #DelhiRains ☔️
— Sonal Kalra 🇮🇳 (@sonalkalra) July 9, 2023
Pic : @ShagunParuthi pic.twitter.com/Znt37CSXlG
The water level in Yamuna that flows through Delhi has already crossed the danger mark, reaching 204.63 metres at 1 pm today. The warning level is 204.50. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government would shift the people from low-lying areas to safe spots if needed.
According to the Press Trust of India news agency, 22 individuals have lost their lives in six states of northern India in the last 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast stating that New Delhi will continue to experience heavy showers for the next two days. As per the IMD’s tweet, thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain are expected in certain areas of Delhi and its neighbouring regions. The locations anticipated to receive rainfall include Narela, Alipur, Rohini, Badili, Pitampura, Paschim Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Kashmiri Gate, Seelampur, Rajauri Garden, Red Fort, Rajeev Chauk, ITO, and Jafarpur.
Keeping the safety of people in consideration schools have been shut while private organisations are asked to go for WFH provision as much as possible to avert any possible mishap due to heavy rain.
Floods are hazardous in ways incomparable causing significant damage to infrastructure, homes, crops, and human lives. They result in the displacement of people and disruption of transportation and communication networks.
VIDEO | Cloudburst triggers landslide in Chewa village of Himachal Pradesh's Solan district. pic.twitter.com/3vp5iFKFYU
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 10, 2023
The Indian government, various state and local authorities are on high alert and are ready to take measures to mitigate the impact of floods and provide relief to affected communities. These measures include early warning systems, building and maintaining embankments, constructing reservoirs and dams for flood control, and carrying out rescue and relief operations.
It is best to stay indoors in such situations as you never know when nature unleashes its fury, leading to major destruction.
