India is grappling with severe weather-related disruptions as heavy rains and cloudbursts impact several states.
Jammu and Kashmir: Cloudburst Disrupts Key Highway
In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst in Ganderbal district caused the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, isolating the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh and rendering the Baltal base camp for the Amarnath Yatra inaccessible. This sudden downpour triggered flash floods, damaging some buildings in the area.
Kerala and Himachal Pradesh: Rising Death Tolls
In Kerala, the death toll from last week’s landslides in Wayanad has risen to 221, with ongoing rescue operations. Authorities are working to recover bodies and have set up a mass grave for unidentified remains. In Himachal Pradesh, landslides have resulted in 13 deaths. Rescue efforts are underway with 410 rescuers involved, including personnel from the Army, NDRF, and other agencies. The number of missing persons stands at over 40.
Uttarakhand: Stranded Pilgrims Evacuated
In Uttarakhand, over 370 people, including pilgrims, stranded on the trek route to Kedarnath due to a cloudburst, have been evacuated. More than 10,000 people have been rescued from Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund. The trek route sustained extensive damage from a cloudburst near Junglechatti last Wednesday.
Maharashtra: Flooding and Water Discharge
Heavy rainfall and water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam have caused flooding in Pune. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed authorities to remain vigilant and assist with evacuations if necessary. The irrigation department reported the discharge of 35,000 cusecs of water from the dam. The Nashik district administration has issued alerts due to rising water levels in the Godavari river, which have increased flood risks.
Jharkhand and West Bengal: River Flooding
In Jharkhand, the water levels of the Kharkai and Swarnarekha rivers are rising due to heavy rains. The East Singhbhum district has issued an alert for low-lying areas. In West Bengal, the Damodar Valley Corporation released 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from the Panchet and Maithon dams following heavy rains upstream. Several districts in south Bengal have been impacted.
Himachal Pradesh: Ongoing Rescue Operations
The rescue operations in Himachal Pradesh are ongoing after a series of cloudbursts caused widespread damage. A total of 87 roads are still closed, and intermittent rains continue to affect the region. The local meteorological office has forecasted heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning through August 8.
Weather Warnings
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in eastern, northeastern, and northern parts of India. Isolated places in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience thunderstorms and lightning.
The severe weather events across India have caused significant disruption, with continued efforts to manage the impact and ensure the safety of affected populations.
