Deadly Monsoon Wrecks Northern India: At Least 29 Dead
Northern India is drowning under relentless monsoon downpours, leaving destruction in its wake and claiming at least 29 lives. Flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc across the region, especially in Himachal Pradesh, where bridges have collapsed and roads are blocked.
Himachal Pradesh Worst Hit as Torrential Rain Tears Through Hills
Television footage shows flash floods sweeping away vehicles and demolishing buildings in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh — the hardest-hit area. Omkar Sharma, disaster management chief in Himachal, confirmed 20 deaths there in just two days.
“In the last two days, the death toll due to monsoon rains has risen to 20 in Himachal Pradesh,” said Sharma.
Elsewhere, nine more fatalities were reported across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, and other Himalayan spots, pushing the overall toll to at least 29 since the weekend.
Rescue Hindered by Torrential Rain, Helicopter Missions Await Break
Continuous rains are stalling rescue operations. Around 300 people, including tourists, remain stranded in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu. Authorities plan helicopter evacuations as soon as the weather clears.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, voiced his sorrow over the deaths and vowed the government is doing everything possible despite forecasts of more rain.
Flood Warnings Across North India: New Delhi, Punjab Brace for More Chaos
India’s meteorological department warns of more heavy showers across northern states. New Delhi has shut schools after recording its heaviest July rainfall in four decades. The Yamuna River is swelling dangerously, sparking widespread flooding across the capital’s roads.
Punjab faces knee-deep floodwaters, submerging streets and local neighbourhoods. Data shows monsoon rainfall in the first week of July already exceeds average levels by 2%.
Monsoon’s Dark Cloud: Vital for Some, Deadly for Many
The summer monsoon is crucial, delivering 80% of South Asia’s annual rain. But with climate change intensifying and destabilising patterns, flooding and landslides now pose an ever-greater threat to millions living in vulnerable areas.
