Heavy rainfall has disrupted life across northern India, with Delhi-NCR, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh experiencing severe weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts, warning residents to prepare for continued downpours that have triggered flooding, landslides, and the suspension of major pilgrimages.
In Himachal Pradesh, three cloudbursts struck the Lahaul Valley on Friday and forced residents to evacuate their homes. Flooding hit Tindi’s Puhre Nala, while Yangla Valley and Jispa also endured cloudbursts. Heavy rains destroyed seven cattle sheds and two houses in Kangra district. Landslides blocked the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway for nine hours, stranding hundreds of vehicles and disrupting travel to and from Punjab.
Officials suspended the Amarnath and Kedarnath Yatras because of dangerous conditions. The Amarnath Yatra, an important pilgrimage, will remain halted until August 3 as rains damaged routes at Baltal and Pahalgam. The Kedarnath Yatra has stayed closed for the third consecutive day, with landslides blocking key pathways. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) evacuated more than 450 pilgrims through alternate forest routes to Sonprayag. Over 5,000 pilgrims continue to wait at the Sonprayag camp for safer conditions to return.
Delhi is also bracing for heavy rainfall. The IMD predicts thunderstorms and rain on August 2, with daytime temperatures around 35°C and nighttime temperatures near 25°C. On August 3, cloudy skies and moderate rainfall will likely bring temperatures down to 33°C during the day and 24°C at night. Authorities have issued a yellow alert in Gurugram, warning residents about heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand face similar challenges. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall across districts such as Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Nainital, and Bageshwar. In Varanasi, the Ganga River crossed the warning level and flooded areas near the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham’s Ganga gate, forcing boats to navigate narrow city lanes. In Prayagraj, the Ganga and Yamuna rivers flowed just below the danger mark and affected 14 localities and 44 villages with floodwaters. Authorities urged residents to stay cautious and avoid risky areas.
The ongoing extreme weather continues to challenge residents, pilgrims, and travelers. Swelling rivers and blocked routes keep the situation serious. Officials advise people to follow weather updates closely and prioritize safety while the region waits for relief.
