Heavy rains lashed several parts of northern India, creating traffic snarls in Delhi-NCR, and extensive flash floods in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The downpour triggered massive traffic jams in Delhi and Gurugram,
causing people to wait on roads and highways for hours.
Relentless rainfall over the past few days caused a significant rise in the water levels of several rivers, including the Yamuna on Monday, leading authorities to open the floodgates of the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district.
Several states have broken records over the heavy rains received in August. Jammu and Kashmir recorded its highest rainfall in August in 125 years, while Delhi recorded 399.8 mm of rainfall – the highest in 15 years, officials told news agency PTI. Himachal Pradesh recorded 431.3 mm of rain in the month, the highest in 76 years.
Massive Traffic Jams In Delhi-NCR
Delhi experienced persistent rain throughout Monday, resulting in traffic congestion across several parts of the city and severely affecting vehicular movement. Heavy traffic jams were reported on key roads and intersections, leaving commuters stranded for long periods. The IMD issued an orange alert and cautioned of moderate to heavy showers in the capital.
Noida and Gurugram also received heavy rains on Monday, triggering traffic snarls across various parts of the cities. The rain situation became so severe in Gurugram hat people opted to book hotels rather than return home. Commuters waded through knee-deep waters on roads, and two-wheelers were almost swept away in some areas.
The Gurugram police issued an advisory, saying that heavy rainfall of more than 100 mm had been recorded from 3 pm to 7 pm, and advised corporate offices to allow work for home and online classes for students.
Meanwhile, several districts in Haryana – including Ambala, Hisar, Narnaul, Rohtak and Panchkula – received rains during the day. The IMD forecast said that a spell of widespread rainfall activity with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places is likely over Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh during the next 24-36 hours.
J&K, Punjab Battle Record Rainfall
Additionally, a large chunk of land sank due to heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, pushing houses to the brink of collapse and prompting authorities to begin evacuation efforts.
Authorities in Jammu extended the closure of all government and private schools by another day, while the University of Jammu also postponed all examinations till September 4. The local meteorological office predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in most parts of Jammu division on September 2 and 3.
More than 130 people, mostly pilgrims, have been killed and over 120 injured while 33 remained untraced following cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi and Ramban districts since August 14.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, severe flooding has affected more than 2.56 lakh people in the state, while 15,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, according to Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian. The state is experiencing the worst floods, particularly with the Beas and Sutlej rivers overflowing due to heavy rains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann immediately after landing in Delhi from the SCO Summit on Monday evening. He also assured the state of all help and support.
On Monday, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring wrote to PM Modi, urging him to provide an immediate flood relief package for the state. Similarly, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal also appealed to the Prime Minister for a special assistance package for Punjab, along with enhanced deployment of NDRF and Army personnel to support and streamline relief efforts across the state.
(with inputs from agencies)
