Northern India Gripped by Severe Flooding: Dozens Dead, Widespread Destruction

Chronology of Events and Casualties

• At least 34 people have been killed in the last 48 hours due to landslides and flash floods.
• A major landslide on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine led to the death of about 30 pilgrims. The pilgrimage has been suspended, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
• In Jammu & Kashmir, numerous cloudbursts and flood incidents have resulted in deaths, destruction of homes, and critical infrastructure damage, including the Madhopur Bridge. Roads were washed away, and highways were blocked.
• Overflowing rivers (Tawi, Chenab, Jhelum, Basantar) inundated low-lying areas, necessitating large-scale evacuations and school closures.
• In Punjab, the flood situation is worsening, particularly in the Kapurthala and Ferozepur districts. The army has been called in to rescue residents from villages and farmland flooded by the Beas River.

Destruction and Relief

The disaster has caused new landslides, damage to roads and bridges, destruction of homes, and disruptions to electricity, water, and communication services. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. Rescue and emergency services are operating in high-risk zones.

Authorities have declared the highest level of danger (red alert) for several states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone areas. Flood warnings have also been issued to neighboring Pakistan due to water releases from dams and overflowing rivers originating from the Himalayas.

Weather Forecast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), further heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in the region in the coming days. Red and orange alerts are in effect. Moderate to heavy precipitation increases the risk of new floods and landslides.

Authorities are urging maximum caution due to the unfavorable forecast. Rescue operations and disaster relief efforts are continuing.