North India Floods: Punjab Reports 29 Rain-Linked Deaths

North India is battling severe floods, with Punjab reporting 29 deaths. IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall in September, heightening risks of floods and landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Delhi is on alert as the Yamuna river breaches the danger mark. Rescue operations are underway as authorities warn of continued risks.

Key Points:

  • Punjab reports 29 deaths due to rain-related incidents amidst severe flooding.
  • IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall for September, increasing flood and landslide risks in North India.
  • Delhi's Yamuna River crosses the danger mark, prompting evacuation advisories.

North India Floods: Red Alerts Issued

North India is grappling with severe flooding, with Punjab reporting 29 rain-linked deaths. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of above-normal rainfall across the country for September, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Red alerts have been declared in Punjab and Haryana due to incessant rains. In Kapurthala, authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate as the Beas river swells dangerously.

Delhi and Gurgaon on High Alert

Delhi is also on high alert as the Yamuna river has crossed the danger mark. While the Chief Minister has assured preparedness, residents in floodplains have been advised to move to relief camps. In Gurgaon, schools have shifted to online classes due to the heavy rainfall.

IMD Forecasts Above-Normal Rainfall

The IMD forecasts that September rainfall could exceed 109% of the long-period average. Besides Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, heavy showers are also expected in parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Delhi has already recorded its wettest August in 15 years, breaching the 1,000 mm mark for seasonal rainfall.

Warnings Issued Across Multiple States

In West Bengal, fishermen have been warned to avoid the coast due to an intensifying low-pressure system. The Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh is nearing its danger limit due to sharply rising water levels. Heavy inflows into the Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers have raised flood concerns in Punjab. Landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have resulted in casualties, including deaths in Shimla and along the Kedarnath route.

Rescue Operations Underway

Floods in Punjab have affected over 2.5 lakh people, prompting large-scale rescue operations by the Army in Punjab, Jammu, and Himachal Pradesh. Authorities across north India remain on high alert, with warnings of road blockages, rising river levels, and potential flood risks in several states. The situation remains critical as rainfall persists, demanding constant vigilance and preparedness.