Flooding and Landslides in Northern India Claim Lives as Yamuna River Surges
New Delhi, India – At least five people have died in northern India due to severe flooding and landslides on Wednesday, with more storms expected as the monsoon season continues to wreak havoc across the region. The flooding has forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people from the riverbanks in Delhi, where the Yamuna River breached its danger mark.
Rising Rivers and Devastating Landslides
The current round of flooding has hit several northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. The Chenab and Tawi rivers have risen beyond the danger levels in multiple areas, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency relief operations.
In the mountainous regions of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Himachal Pradesh, the swollen rivers have triggered landslides that have cut off access to remote areas. On Wednesday, landslides in Rajouri and Mandi districts claimed the lives of at least five individuals, while more damage to infrastructure and homes is expected as rains continue.
Yamuna River Breaches Danger Mark in Delhi
In the Indian capital, Delhi, the situation remains critical as the Yamuna River continues to rise due to the intense monsoon rains. The Central Water Commission reported that the river breached its danger mark on Tuesday, raising alarms for the residents living in low-lying areas along the riverbanks. As a precautionary measure, nearly 10,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-prone zones and moved to relief camps.
This is not the first time that Delhi has faced severe flooding due to the Yamuna’s rising water levels. In 2023, floodwaters entered homes, forcing evacuations when the river reached its highest level in 45 years. Local authorities have urged people to remain indoors as the region braces for more rainfall.
Monsoon Impact on Northern India’s Agriculture
The monsoon rains have also devastated agricultural regions, particularly in Punjab, which is considered India’s breadbasket. In the last month alone, at least 30 people have died in the state due to floods, and nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated. Water from continuous rainfall and dam releases has flooded approximately 150,000 hectares of crops, leading to widespread destruction.
The ongoing deluge has caused the loss of both life and livelihoods, severely impacting food production and the economy of the region.
Cross-Border Concerns with Pakistan
The flooding in northern India has raised concerns beyond its borders. Authorities in Pakistan have issued an alert for potential floods in its eastern Punjab province, as Indian officials warned that water would be released from upstream dams. This has prompted concerns over downstream flooding in both countries, as shared rivers are heavily impacted by the monsoon season’s intense rainfall.
Heavy Rain Forecasted for Coming Days
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted more heavy to very heavy rainfall for the region, especially in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In response to the ongoing floods, local governments have ordered the closure of schools and advised people to stay indoors.
A Growing Crisis
As northern India faces the brunt of these natural disasters, the death toll continues to rise. Since the start of the monsoon season in June, the National Disaster Management Authority has confirmed at least 881 deaths across the country. With more rain expected and rivers continuing to swell, the region remains on high alert.
The flooding crisis underscores the growing challenges posed by the monsoon season, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the devastating effects of these natural disasters in the future.
