Nearly 40 people have died as torrential rains continue in India

geourdunews July 11, 2023 in International News - 2 Minutes

A submerged temple is photographed on the banks of the Beas river after heavy rains in Mandi, India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh, on July 10, 2023. - Reuters — A submerged temple is photographed on the banks of the Beas river after heavy rains in Mandi, India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh, on July 10, 2023. – Reuters

Landslides, floods wreak havoc after incessant rains in India.
Flood waters wash away vehicles, destroy buildings, bridges.
The authorities have intensified the relief and rescue operations.

The death toll from torrential rains that lashed parts of northern India for more than two days has risen to 37, as landslides and floods triggered by incessant rains wreaked havoc across the country.

With the water level in the Yamuna river rising above the danger mark, New Delhi has been put on high alert, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain throughout the week.

Incessant heavy rains led to massive flooding in urban areas where residents were seen wading through knee-deep water. Television footage showed floodwaters sweeping away vehicles, collapsing buildings and collapsing bridges.

The worst-hit area was in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, where at least 20 people were killed in flash floods and other rain-related incidents, the official said.

Meanwhile, nine people each died in Punjab and Haryana, seven in Rajasthan and three in Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities in Himachal Pradesh have issued a flood alert for today, while red and orange warnings have been issued for some parts of the state.

Several other rivers in the region are in spate, with New Delhi reportedly just a meter away as the water level in the Yamuna river has crossed 206 metres. ndtv informed of.

After the capital, schools in the state of Punjab were also closed under rain warnings.

Meanwhile, the authorities have stepped up relief and rescue operations in the affected areas by setting up several control rooms in the capital city.

Monsoon rains across the country have already received about 2% above normal rainfall in the first week of July, official data showed.

The summer monsoon brings about 80% of the annual rainfall to South Asia, as well as death and destruction due to floods and landslides.

Precipitation is difficult to predict and varies greatly, but scientists say climate change is making the monsoon stronger and more erratic.