Rain and flooding in India: Yamuna, Chenab rivers cross danger mark

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DELHI: Torrential monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding across northern India, prompting mass evacuations, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage. Authorities say the Yamuna River in Delhi and the Chenab and Tawi rivers in Jammu and Kashmir have surged past their danger levels, inundating low-lying areas and cutting off access to several regions.

Also read: Rain predicted in several parts of the country

Nearly 10,000 residents were evacuated from the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi after water levels breached the danger mark on Tuesday, according to officials. Relief camps have been set up along major highways, with authorities bracing for more heavy downpours forecast for Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, predicting intense rainfall in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states. The Central Water Commission confirmed that rising water levels in the Yamuna posed a severe threat, just over a year after the river hit its highest recorded level in 45 years during the 2023 floods.

In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, relentless rains have triggered deadly landslides. A woman and her daughter died after their home partially collapsed in the Rajouri district. Meanwhile, in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, at least three people were killed and two remain trapped following another landslide, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The state government has closed schools and colleges, urging people to remain indoors due to the worsening situation.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have borne the brunt of the latest wave of rainfall, with swollen rivers wiping out roads and isolating mountainous communities. Popular tourist destinations in Himachal have also suffered severe disruptions as landslides and flash floods damage key infrastructure.

Also read: Another monsoon spell predicted in next 24 to 48 hours

In Punjab, the situation is equally grim. Since the beginning of August, the state has recorded 30 deaths due to flood-related incidents, and nearly 20,000 people have been displaced. Officials say 150,000 hectares of farmland have been ruined by floodwaters sweeping through the region’s plains.

To manage the deluge, authorities have released excess water from several dams, which has worsened flooding both in India and downstream in Pakistan.