North India is currently reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, triggering red and orange alerts, disrupting normal life, and escalating fears of floods across multiple states. From the snow-laden slopes of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to the congested bylanes of Delhi-NCR, the situation is rapidly worsening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across northern and central India for the coming days.
Delhi and NCR: Persistent Rainfall Soaks the Capital
The National Capital Region, including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and surrounding districts, has been witnessing continuous moderate to heavy rainfall since Monday morning. According to the IMD, light rain is likely to persist over the next 48 hours. Waterlogging has been reported in multiple areas, affecting traffic flow and daily routines. Residents are urged to exercise caution, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Uttar Pradesh: Thunderstorm and Lightning Alert Across 47 Districts
The state of Uttar Pradesh remains under widespread weather alerts. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in 16 western districts bordering Uttarakhand and Delhi NCR, including Saharanpur, Shamli, Bareilly, and Pilibhit. Additionally, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected in 47 districts, potentially impacting power infrastructure and daily life.
Districts Under Thunder and Lightning Warning:
Eastern Uttar Pradesh may see patchy rainfall with sporadic cloud cover.
Districts like Prayagraj, Chandauli, Varanasi, Bahraich, and Kanpur are bracing for thunderstorms.
Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh, Mathura, Agra, and Lalitpur are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall.
The intensity of monsoon showers is expected to ease in eastern UP over the next few days, though isolated spells cannot be ruled out.
Himachal Pradesh: Red Alert Amid Destructive Flash Floods and Landslides
Himachal Pradesh is facing one of its worst monsoon disasters in recent years. A red alert has been issued in districts like Chamba, Mandi, and Kangra as cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods wreak havoc.
In Mandi and Chamba, over 50 bighas of land and five bridges were washed away due to torrential downpours.
243 roads remain blocked, while 244 power transformers and 278 water supply schemes are disrupted.
An orange alert has been extended to 10 additional districts as rainfall continues.
Flights from New Delhi to Shimla are operating, but road travel remains dangerous. Tourists and residents are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and avoid travel to hilly regions.
Uttarakhand: Devastation Along Alaknanda, Key Highways Blocked
In Uttarakhand, the river Alaknanda has surged dramatically, submerging the idol of Lord Shiva on its banks in Rudraprayag. The situation is dire with highways blocked, and crucial mountain routes cut off:
Tanakpur-Tawaghat-Lipulekh Road has been shut due to landslides and falling boulders.
The Yamunotri Highway has remained closed for 10 consecutive days.
Travel on the Badrinath Highway is repeatedly disrupted by falling debris.
The IMD warns of heavy rain in Uttarkashi, Tehri, Bageshwar, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag for the next five days. Residents should monitor alerts and avoid travel during peak rainfall hours.
Madhya Pradesh: Flash Flood Alerts in 13 Districts, Rivers Overflowing
Madhya Pradesh is experiencing alarming rainfall patterns, prompting the IMD to issue flood alerts in 13 districts and very heavy rainfall alerts in 5 more. Rivers are overflowing, and critical infrastructure is being tested.
Districts Under Flash Flood Risk:
Jabalpur, Mandla, Seoni, Damoh, and Balaghat face extreme rainfall threats.
Water levels in the Narmada River are rising rapidly; 9 gates of the Bargi Dam have been opened.
Shahdol city saw 4 inches of rain, submerging 40% of the area, including Shahdol railway station, where water reached the platform level and train services were delayed by 4 hours.
The district administration in Jabalpur has ordered a two-day closure of all schools, with rescue teams placed on alert in low-lying zones.
Madhya Pradesh Weather Forecast (Next 3 Days):
July 7 Forecast:
Very heavy rains in Sehore, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat.
Widespread heavy showers expected in Dewas, Betul, Vidisha, Sagar, Katni, and Damoh.
July 8 Forecast:
Orange alert in Mandla, Seoni, and Balaghat.
Heavy rains to impact Ashoknagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Shahdol, and Umaria.
July 9 Forecast:
Very heavy rain in Raisen, Chhindwara, Narmadapuram, and Betul.
Flood threats persist in Panna, Satna, Maihar, Burhanpur, Khandwa, and Jabalpur.
Punjab and Haryana: Rainfall Extends Across the North
Punjab and Haryana are also witnessing steady monsoon activity. The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall, especially in areas like Ambala, Patiala, Karnal, and Panipat. Waterlogging has been reported in low-lying sectors of Chandigarh, with municipal authorities issuing emergency warnings in flood-prone colonies.
Precautionary Measures and Government Response
Disaster response teams have been deployed across all affected regions.
Local administrations are closely monitoring dams, water reservoirs, and river levels.
Citizens are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid flooded streets, and adhere to advisories.
What You Should Do:
Follow IMD weather bulletins daily.
Avoid travel in landslide-prone and hilly terrains.
Stay clear of rivers, drains, and other flood-prone zones.
Keep emergency supplies and evacuation plans ready.
Conclusion: Nation Faces a Severe Monsoon Onslaught
The monsoon rains, while crucial for agriculture, are currently disrupting lives, mobility, and infrastructure across multiple Indian states. With red and orange alerts active, the situation demands extreme caution from both citizens and local authorities. The coming days will be critical as the country battles through incessant rains, swollen rivers, and threats of flash floods.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, and follow all safety protocols to stay protected during this period of climatic unrest.
