The monsoon has gained strength, as several parts of the country have reported devastating effects from heavy rainfall. States like Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana continue to witness rain for two to three days while Madhya Pradesh has been put on alert since July 17. Meanwhile, in 14 districts of Bihar, a yellow alert has been issued in connection with heavy rain. Rainfall may range from 7.5 to 15 mm here.
On July 12, Monday, incidents of cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala and Jammu and Kashmir destroyed several properties, while numerous tourists were stranded in hotels near Bhaksunag.
The water level rises in Kullu's Sarvari river.
Shimla has been receiving heavy rainfall since Sunday night, which has caused swelling of rivers, streams and flood-like situations. The Sarvari river in Kullu is also in spate, posing threat to the slum settlements on the banks.
Water inflow in the middle of the slum houses, which has forced people to vacant slums. Due to the rise in water levels in rivers, there is a state of panic in these regions. The National Highway passing through Jhakri and Rampur has been blocked after heavy rains in Shimla resulting in huge traffic.
The flood-like situation in J&K.
Jammu and Kashmir too has witnessed heavy monsoon rains, which has resulted in the flood-like condition in Ganderbal of Central Kashmir. The area observed a cloudburst late Sunday night. Water gushed into houses, while shops and roads were left damaged. After the incident, the J&K administrations began relief and rescue work on the same night itself. The local authorities have informed that currently, the situation is under control.
Cloudburst created havoc in Dharamshala.
One of the most loved tourist destinations of Indians, Himachal Pradesh has seen serious implications due to the cloud burst. In Bhaksunag, several cars and vehicles were washed away by speeding water, while the bridge over Gaj Khad in Rajol on Mandi-Pathankot highway was severely damaged. This has caused a traffic jam in the area. Heavy rains in Jhakri near Rampur has forced the National Highway to close down late on Sunday night. However, it was opened on Monday morning. Tourists who visited the Bhaksunag area are stranded in hostels and the local authorities have advised them to remain inside their hotels, until further directions. Meanwhile, rescue teams have been deployed to the affected regions. People living in plains and low-level areas have been advised to move towards Dharamshala, as rainfall will be covering the state in a few days, which could be heavy to very heavy.
Also Read: Tourists stuck in hotels after ravaging Cloudburst hit Himachal, rescue operations afoot
Yellow alert in Bihar.
The Meteorological Department has issued an alert of heavy rain in East and West Champaran. Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur in other districts of Bihar, meanwhile, a lightning warning has been issued in most parts of the state. According to IMD, within 24 to 48 hours, rain up to 17 mm in North-West and North-East districts of Bihar, 65 mm in East-West Champaran, 3 to 12 mm in 14 districts including Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Begusarai is expected. Therefore, a yellow alert has been issued in these districts.
Rajasthan was relieved from the scorching heat.
Pink city Jaipur received a heavy downpour on Sunday with the resumption of monsoon in the state. In the evening there were about two and a half inches of rain that lasted an hour, bringing some relief to the people from the scorching heat. Strong winds and rain had caused a power cut in many places, leaving some parts of the city dark for several hours.
Monsoon to become active only in the second week of June.
Bhopal on Saturday was struck by monsoon and it rained from 3.30 pm onwards. This year monsoon arrived in Madhya Pradesh only in the second week of June. After covering the entire state in the first few days, it was again dry in the state.
Temperature drops after rain in Punjab.
Several districts including Amritsar in Punjab recorded a drop in temperature on Sunday days of extreme heat accompanied by a power crisis. Mercury dropped by 6.3 degrees in Amritsar after receiving a good amount of rainfall. According to the Meteorological Department, next week is going to be like this in the state. The department has predicted daily rainfall till Friday and the weather to remain pleasant.
Clouds and rain covered Haryana.
People in Haryana's Hisar were relieved from the summer heat after the state witnessed drizzles on Sunday night. On the other hand, it was the third time in six days in Ambala that the Meteorological Department forecast failed. The maximum temperature in Hisar on Sunday was 40 and the minimum temperature reached 30 degrees celsius. During the same time, Ambala recorded a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: In Points: Flood horror in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala after cloudburst
Many deaths were reported.
On Sunday few states reported deaths due to lightning. Around 68 people died in three states, out of which 37 were in Uttar Pradesh, while 22 were scorched. In Rajasthan, 20 died and 35 were burnt alive because of the lightning. At the same time, in Madhya Pradesh, 11 people died and 13 were burnt. Meanwhile, the injured are being treated in the hospital.