Heavy rain continues to batter Himachal, Uttarakhand & others, Yamuna flows above danger level

On Monday, union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also reviewed the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and other states and its impact on national highways.

Heavy rain continues to batter several parts of the country. Normal life has been thrown out of gear especially in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the IMD, incessant rains unleashed more deaths and destruction in the last two days even as the Army and NDRF teams stepped in to intensify the relief and rescue operations with the Central and state governments continuously monitoring the situation. The Yamuna in Delhi has already crossed the danger mark on Monday evening, flooding the low-lying areas along the riverbanks in the city of Delhi. The rising water levels have forced the authorities to evacuate thousands of people living in the floodplains in the national capital. 

In the meantime, there is good news for Himachal. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the intense rainfall spell over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas of north Punjab and Haryana is likely to decrease significantly from July 11. However, extremely heavy rainfall activity over Northeast India & adjoining East India is likely to continue during the next 3 days. Light to moderate and fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is also very likely over Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh during next 4-5 days.  

Meteorologist Soma Sen said that there was a warning of extremely heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, for which a red alert was also issued there. Though rains are likely to reduce over Himachal Pradesh from tomorrow, similar or slightly lesser intensity rains are likely to continue over Uttarakhand for the next three days. Heavy rain is expected over East Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and South Rajasthan on Monday.

The Meteorological Department has expressed the possibility of heavy rains in Delhi as well. The rain is likely to continue here for the next two days. According to Soma Sen, there is a possibility of rain up to 12 cm in Delhi, it can be more, which is being monitored. There is a yellow alert in Delhi for Monday. He told the HS that starting Tuesday, the rainfall in the north-west Himalayas will reduce slightly.

According to the Meteorological Department, a red alert has been issued for Chandigarh, Panchkula (Haryana), and Mohali (Punjab).

In a high-level meeting on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed public-interest activities in several districts of the state and issued required directions. Following heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the water level of several rivers in the state may rise in the coming days. 

Along with irrigation and water resources, all relief and rescue departments should be on high alert, instructed the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. 24 districts have gotten more rainfall than usual, while 31 districts have received less rainfall than typical. However, meteorologists predict that these areas will receive significant rainfall in July. Continuous monitoring of changing weather conditions is required.

"There have been reports of loss of life and property due to lightning in many places in the last few days," Yogi remarked. Such victim families should receive assistance right away. Lightning strikes are becoming more common in Eastern Uttar Pradesh this year. It is important to build a better mechanism for precise celestial lightning forecasting (early warning system). This is required to minimize human and animal losses to a minimum. The government is also cooperating in the process of installing rain gauges in every village," the CM added.

"In the event of a flood or excessive rainfall, continuous monitoring is required. Many locations have seen a rise in the Ganga's water level. Similarly, all rivers' water levels should be continuously monitored. Flood units from the NDRF, SDRF/PAC, and disaster management teams should be on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the impacted areas. Aapda Prabandhan Mitra, Civil Defence volunteers, should be called in as needed," continued the Chief Minister.

On Monday, union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also reviewed the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and other states and its impact on national highways.

In the special meeting, Gadkari directed the officials to give priority to the repair and maintenance of the affected roads. The minister inquired from the officials about the flood situation in the respective states.

In the meeting, which was attended by the Secretary, Road Transport and Highways, Chairman, NHAI, DG Road, and other officials, Gadkari directed the officials to give priority to the repair and maintenance of the affected highways.