Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Life Across India, IMD Warns of More Downpours
Heavy rainfall continued to impact several regions of India on Friday, just one day after the southwest monsoon fully advanced across the country, significantly disrupting normal life. Reports indicated flooded roads, overflowing rivers, landslides, and transportation disruptions across multiple states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that this active monsoon phase is expected to persist over the coming days.
The effects of the rain were felt in northern, western, and southern India. On Thursday, more than 10 people lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, with 17 fatalities reported in Surat district, Gujarat, attributed to flooding from relentless rains. In Delhi, several areas experienced waterlogging after some locations received over 160 mm of rain. Commuters faced difficulties from fallen trees and long traffic jams, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for the national capital, forecasting more rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
In Uttarakhand, heavy rains caused the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers to swell, leading authorities to close schools in Rudraprayag district as a precaution. The Char Dham Yatra also faced disruptions following a landslide at Nalu Pani in Uttarkashi that blocked the Gangotri Highway. Road-clearing teams were quickly deployed to restore connectivity.
Himachal Pradesh experienced widespread disruptions as well. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, 75 roads remained blocked, and several electricity transformers and water supply systems were affected. Fresh spells of heavy rain are anticipated in Shimla and Sirmaur districts.
The IMD issued a red alert for parts of western Uttar Pradesh, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. As a precaution, schools were closed in several districts, including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Hapur, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Bijnor, and Moradabad. In Prayagraj, district officials enhanced flood preparedness as river levels continued to rise.
Meanwhile, Gujarat is slowly recovering from severe flooding in Surat, where nearly 358 mm of rain fell within 24 hours. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the affected areas to review relief efforts and directed officials to implement long-term measures to reduce recurring flood risks. Rescue operations in Kerala’s Wayanad also continued, as search teams looked for two missing people following a deadly landslide earlier this week.
As widespread rainfall persists and rivers remain swollen, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and adhere to official weather advisories. The IMD has indicated that the active monsoon spell is likely to continue across various parts of the country in the coming days, making preparedness and caution essential.
