Over the weekend, many areas in the northwest region of India received a significant amount of rainfall, with Delhi surpassing a record that stood for 40 years. According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi received 153 mm of rain within a 24-hour period, which is the highest amount recorded in a single day in July since 1982.
 The high amount of rainfall is attributed to the combined effect of a western disturbance and monsoonal winds, resulting in an intense downpour across northwest India. Delhi, in particular, encountered its first instance of “very heavy” rainfall this monsoon season.
Image source: PTI
As a consequence of the heavy rainfall, several roads in the affected areas experienced waterlogging, leading to severe traffic congestion for commuters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting further intense heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for several states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Continuous rainfall and landslides have resulted in the annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for the third consecutive day. The inclement weather has caused significant disruption, with approximately 3,000 vehicles stranded along the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. On Saturday a section of the road collapsed, exacerbating the situation.
Likewise, certain regions in Kerala experienced heavy rainfall during the morning hours, resulting in traffic jams and water accumulation in low-lying areas.
The incessant rain claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals. A section of National Highway-3 was washed away due to the overflowing Beas River.
Warnings of flashflood in Himachal, IMD issues red alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns about the possibility of flash floods and avalanches in the Lahul and Spiti districts. A “yellow” alert has been issued for Delhi on Sunday, indicating the need for caution. Due to the heavy rains, landslides, and waterlogging, train services on the Shimla-Kalka heritage rail track have been cancelled for Sunday, as reported by Himachal Pradesh Traffic, Tourist, and Railways Police in a tweet by ANI.
In Himachal Pradesh, IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts, indicating a high level of danger, while an orange alert has been issued for three districts until Sunday, signifying a significant level of caution. The districts issued with red alerts include Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, signifying a high level of warning, indicating the potential for severe weather conditions in these areas.
Multiple incidents have been reported throughout the state, including tragic landslides that have led to casualties and destruction. In Madholi village, Kumarsain, three individuals lost their lives when a house collapsed due to a landslide., another fatality is reported to have occurred in Kakiyan, under Chamba Tehsil as a result of a landslide.
In the Chandertal area of Lahaul-Spiti district, more than 200 individuals find themselves stranded due to the challenging conditions caused by heavy rainfall. Due to the ongoing heavy rainfall and harsh weather conditions in the state, all government and private schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board, as well as government and private colleges affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University and Sardar Patel University, will remain closed for the next two days, Monday and Tuesday to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff in light of the adverse weather situation.
