32 Dead in Rain and Flooding Across 7 States: Latest Updates

In the past 24 hours, relentless monsoon rains have claimed 32 lives across seven Indian states. As the monsoon wreaks havoc nationwide, several regions are grappling with unprecedented flooding and severe weather conditions. This article delves into the latest updates and ongoing impacts of this devastating weather event.

Major Areas Affected

Delhi-NCR: The national capital faced record-breaking rainfall, receiving 108 mm in just 24 hours. This is the highest single-day rainfall in July in 14 years. The heavy downpour has led to severe flooding in various parts of the city, disrupting traffic and causing property damage. Major underpasses were submerged, severely affecting traffic flow to Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

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Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: Both states have experienced significant cloudbursts. Uttarakhand has reported 10 deaths, while Himachal Pradesh has recorded four. The Met Department forecasts more rainfall in these areas over the next five days. Rescue operations are in full swing, with authorities working tirelessly to locate and assist those affected.

Bihar: In Bihar, lightning strikes have claimed five lives in the past 24 hours. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a financial compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the victims. He has also urged residents to adhere to advisories from the Disaster Management Department.

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Kerala: Wayanad in Kerala remains the most severely affected, with 256 fatalities reported due to massive landslides. The Indian Army has rescued nearly 1,000 individuals, with 220 still missing. Rescue operations continue as the state grapples with the aftermath of these devastating landslides.

Jammu and Kashmir: Flash floods and cloudbursts have impacted the Dachan area of Kishtwar. The intense weather has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including bridges and buildings. Rivers in Rajouri district are overflowing, leading to severe waterlogging.

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Jaipur: A tragic incident in Jaipur saw a woman, her niece, and another man drown after rainwater flooded their basement. A prolonged rescue operation was necessary to recover the bodies due to the narrow and deep passage to the basement.

Meteorological Insights

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that India experienced nine percent more rainfall than normal in July. The central region of the country received 33 percent excess rainfall. The IMD predicts above-normal rainfall for August and September, with a likelihood of favorable La Nina conditions. The rainfall so far this season has exceeded the long-period average by two percent.

Future Forecast

The IMD has forecasted continued heavy rain for affected states, including Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Bihar, until August 7. The ongoing weather conditions are expected to cause further disruptions and challenges.