North India is grappling with the relentless onslaught of heavy rain, causing widespread chaos and disruption across the region. The plains have been drenched, while the hills have experienced landslides, and even Ladakh has witnessed fresh snowfall. With the situation showing no signs of abating, authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heavy rainfall will continue to batter north India in the coming week, with varying intensity. This deluge can be attributed to the active monsoon trough combined with a Western Disturbance. Additionally, a low-pressure area looms over southwest Rajasthan and neighboring regions, further exacerbating the situation.
The national capital, Delhi, recorded its highest single-day rainfall in the last 40 years on Sunday, with a staggering 153 mm of rain until 8:30 am. Consequently, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the closure of all schools in Delhi on Monday due to the incessant downpour. The city’s iconic Connaught Place was waterlogged, and parts of Delhi experienced severe disruption. In anticipation of the Yamuna River water level breaching the danger mark of 205.33 meters by Tuesday, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The neighboring regions of Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram are also reeling from the heavy rainfall. As a precautionary measure, schools in these areas will remain closed on Monday. In Gurugram, traffic snarls caused by the downpour prompted the deputy commissioner to urge residents to stay indoors and venture out only for essential work. Corporate offices in Gurugram have been advised to implement work-from-home arrangements to alleviate the strain on commuting.
While the plains struggle with torrential rain, the hills face a different kind of peril. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a grim escalation in landslides, with 14 major incidents and 13 flash floods reported in the past 36 hours. More than 700 roads have been closed, and the state has been put on high alert. Similarly, Uttarakhand has suffered casualties as three pilgrims tragically drowned in the Ganga River when their vehicle plunged into the water during a landslide near Gular on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway.
Dr. Charan Singh, the Head of the Regional Meteorology Center in New Delhi, has reassured the public that the intensity of rainfall in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to gradually decrease. While heavy rainfall may still occur in a few areas, it is anticipated that the next four to five days will witness a reduction in intensity, with intermittent showers prevailing.
Authorities across the affected regions are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the heavy rain and ensure the safety of residents. The public is urged to remain vigilant and stay updated with the latest weather advisories and instructions issued by the respective authorities.
As the monsoon season persists, it is essential for individuals to exercise caution, adhere to safety guidelines, and extend support to those affected by this natural calamity. The collective efforts of citizens, local authorities, and disaster management agencies will be crucial in navigating through these challenging times and restoring normalcy to the affected regions.
Sources By Agencies
