Severe Floods and Landslides Devastate Northern Indian States
Unrelenting rains have caused widespread devastation across Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. Swollen rivers have inundated vast areas, leading to at least 29 deaths in Punjab alone and affecting over 256,000 people. The extreme weather has crippled road and rail traffic, triggered landslides, and forced school closures. The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for multiple districts, and the water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has crossed the danger mark, prompting evacuations.
Unpacked:
The floods were triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, early and intense monsoon activity, and the release of water from major dams. Climate change is also contributing to shifting monsoon patterns, intensifying rainfalls, and worsening the situation each year.
Authorities and groups like UNITED SIKHS have launched rapid rescue and relief operations, evacuating residents, relocating families, setting up relief camps, and providing medical care, food, and clean water. The army and disaster response teams are also searching for missing persons and supporting affected communities.
Flooding and landslides have destroyed or damaged roads, bridges, and railways, severely disrupting transport. Power lines and water supply have been cut in several areas, leaving many communities without basic services and access to essential supplies.
Low-income households often live in areas more prone to flooding and lack resources to recover. They face greater risk of displacement and food insecurity, with limited access to emergency shelter or support when disasters strike.