Heavy rains across India have led to widespread flooding and waterlogging, impacting cities and villages alike. From Roorkee to Delhi, the nation faces severe weather challenges as the India Meteorological Department issues warnings and alerts. Explore the full extent of the crisis and how it’s affecting daily life.
INVC NEWS
New Delhi : heavy rains have wreaked havoc across many states in India, causing extensive flooding and waterlogging. Cities and villages are submerged, and daily life has been severely disrupted. From the waterlogged streets of Delhi to the flood-stricken villages of Haryana and Punjab, the nation is grappling with a relentless downpour that has transformed familiar landscapes into scenes of chaos and distress. This article delves into the current crisis, highlighting the impact on various regions and the challenges faced by residents as they navigate through this extraordinary weather event.
The Scope of the Deluge: An Overview
Flooding and Waterlogging Across the Country
Heavy rains have set the stage for a severe weather crisis affecting numerous states. The relentless downpour has led to flooding and waterlogging in both urban and rural areas, transforming streets into rivers and villages into islands. Here’s a snapshot of how different regions are coping with the crisis:
- Roorkee, Uttarakhand: Once known for its serene landscape, Roorkee has now become a site of severe waterlogging. The city is practically floating on water, with homes, highways, and daily life submerged under several feet of rainwater. The Roorkee-Dehradun highway has turned into a treacherous stretch where vehicles have been stranded, highlighting the severity of the situation.
- Punjab and Haryana: On Sunday, heavy rains engulfed Punjab and Haryana, causing widespread flooding. In the Yamunanagar district of Haryana, villages have been hit hard due to the rising water levels of the Som River. The cities of Chandigarh, Mohali, Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, and Ambala have also experienced significant waterlogging, with roads and homes inundated.
- Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR): The capital region hasn’t been spared. Heavy rains on Sunday afternoon led to extensive waterlogging and traffic jams. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Delhi, signaling residents to brace for more severe weather and potential disruptions.
Roorkee: A City Underwater
The Impact of Torrential Rains
Roorkee, often referred to as the “Shiksha Nagari” or educational hub, has faced one of the most dramatic impacts of the recent rainfall. The city’s streets, once bustling with activity, are now barely visible beneath a blanket of water. The following highlights the crisis in Roorkee:
- Highway Havoc: The Roorkee-Dehradun highway, a vital transport route, has been submerged under several feet of water. Commuters have struggled to pass through, and many vehicles have been rendered immobile. This has caused significant delays and disruptions in travel.
- Residential Areas: Homes in Roorkee are not immune to the deluge. Water has crept into living spaces, affecting the daily lives of residents. The sight of homes surrounded by water is a stark reminder of the scale of the flooding.
- Public Facilities: Schools, hospitals, and other public facilities are also grappling with the consequences of waterlogging. Many have had to close temporarily, affecting education and healthcare services.
Punjab and Haryana: A Deluge of Challenges
Rising Water Levels and Flooded Villages
In Punjab and Haryana, the situation has been equally alarming. The intense rainfall has led to the following issues:
- Village Flooding: Several villages in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana are under water due to the swollen Som River. The rising water levels have inundated fields, homes, and roads, causing severe disruptions to agricultural and daily activities.
- City Waterlogging: Urban areas like Chandigarh, Mohali, Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, and Ambala are facing significant waterlogging. The streets are filled with rainwater, and transportation has become a major challenge. In cities like Ambala and Ludhiana, water levels have reached several feet, making it difficult for residents to move about.
- Rainfall Figures: According to the Meteorological Department, Chandigarh received 129.7 mm of rain, contributing to the widespread flooding in the region. This substantial amount of rainfall has exacerbated the flooding situation.
Delhi NCR: A City on Alert
Traffic Jams and Weather Warnings
The national capital is not immune to the effects of the heavy rains. Here’s how the crisis is unfolding in Delhi NCR:
- Traffic Disruptions: The afternoon rains on Sunday led to significant waterlogging in various parts of Delhi, resulting in severe traffic jams. The clogged streets have made commuting a challenge for many residents, with delays and diversions becoming commonplace.
- Weather Alerts: The IMD has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Delhi, indicating that residents should prepare for extremely bad weather. The alert also suggests possible disruptions in traffic and daily activities. The IMD forecasts that Delhi’s temperature will range from a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius, with more rain expected in the evening.
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Public Response: Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors if possible and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services are on high alert to respond to any crisis situations that may arise due to the worsening weather conditions.
