Heavy Rainfall Batters Northern India: IMD Issues Alerts Amid Rising Flood, Landslide Risks
Date: July 29, 2025
Region: Northern India
Mid-July brought relentless monsoon showers across large parts of northern India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue multiple heavy rain alerts and flash flood warnings. Widespread rainfall has affected several states, with Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh bearing the brunt.
According to the IMD’s latest forecast, isolated very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm) is likely to continue in these regions through July 24 to July 30, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides in hilly areas.
Region-wise Highlights:
- Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Red alerts issued in multiple districts as mountain slopes remain saturated; several roads and highways are either blocked or damaged due to landslides.
- Jammu & Kashmir: River levels have risen rapidly; authorities are monitoring the Jhelum and Chenab basins closely.
- Punjab & Haryana: Low-lying areas in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Ambala, and Kurukshetra reported waterlogging; local administrations have begun evacuation efforts in flood-prone zones.
- Eastern Rajasthan & Western Uttar Pradesh: Rainfall is impacting agriculture and transportation, with reports of waterlogged fields and disrupted rail services.
What Citizens Should Know:
- Avoid travel to hilly or flood-affected regions unless essential.
- Stay updated through official IMD bulletins and local administration advisories.
- Keep emergency kits ready and follow evacuation instructions promptly.
Outlook:
With the monsoon trough remaining active over the region, heavy to very heavy rainfall may persist till the end of July. While the rains are crucial for agriculture, the excessive precipitation is now tipping toward a crisis in vulnerable districts.