NEW DELHI: Tragic rain-related incidents, including lightning strikes, landslides, and house collapses, have resulted in the loss of more than 12 lives and several injuries in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, according to official sources.
Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in northern India, causing flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in various areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously predicted heavy to extremely heavy rain for New Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and occupied Kashmir.
According to NDTV, Delhi witnessed a record-breaking 153mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period, marking the highest single-day rainfall in July since 1982. The heavy rain continued to batter the Indian capital and its surrounding regions, resulting in waterlogging and power outages in several areas of Gurugram.
The intense rainfall spell is attributed to the interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds, leading to the season’s first “very heavy” rainfall in Delhi, as reported by India Today.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Several cars washed away in floods caused by heavy rainfall in the Kasol area of Kullu
(Source: Video shot by locals, confirmed by Police) pic.twitter.com/61WsXg08QN
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2023
Flooding in Several States of India
In Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri district, three individuals, including a woman, lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries on Saturday evening. The victims were working in agricultural fields when they were struck by lightning. The injured individuals were promptly admitted to a local hospital for medical treatment.
#WATCH | Delhi: Roads waterlogged as heavy rain continues to lash national capital.
(Visuals from Lodhi Estate) pic.twitter.com/8qfHiLQXFn
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2023
Uttarakhand, a northern hilly state, also witnessed a tragic incident when a vehicle carrying approximately 11 people skidded off a hill due to a landslide. The unfortunate incident occurred in the Gular area of Tehri district on Saturday afternoon. While three bodies have been recovered, efforts are underway to locate and rescue three individuals still missing after the accident. Five injured individuals have been admitted to a local hospital for necessary medical care.
Tragically, the heavy downpour claimed several lives and caused significant damage. Five individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh, as reported by Indian media. During the past 36 hours, the state witnessed 13 landslides and nine flash floods, contributing to the loss of life and property.
The Times of India highlighted additional casualties in different regions. In occupied Kashmir, a landslide hit a passenger bus, resulting in the loss of two lives. Three individuals lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh, while four lost their lives in Rajasthan due to rain-related incidents. In occupied Kashmir’s Poonch district, the bodies of two soldiers who were swept away by flash floods were also recovered.
The torrential rain and its devastating impact highlight the urgent need for preparedness and infrastructure development to mitigate the consequences of such natural disasters. Authorities are working tirelessly to assist affected individuals and provide relief measures to the affected regions.
The affected states are grappling with the aftermath of these unfortunate incidents, highlighting the need for increased precautions and preparedness during the monsoon season. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and seek shelter during adverse weather conditions to prevent further loss of life.
The respective state governments and local authorities are actively engaged in providing support and assistance to the affected families. The tragic events serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and effective response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of such incidents in the future.
