«Monsoon Crisis in India 2025: Consequences and Response Measures

In the north of the country, in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, devastating floods and landslides occurred. Rivers overflowed their banks, leading to significant infrastructure damage.

Casualties and Losses: Hundreds of people have died or are missing due to landslides and flash floods. According to the latest reports, over 30 people died after a landslide near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu. In Jammu and Kashmir alone, the death toll has reached 41.

Displacement and Damage: Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. Their livelihoods were destroyed, and towns were isolated due to landslides blocking roads and floods submerging settlements.

Agriculture Under Threat: In Punjab and other affected regions, agricultural lands were flooded, leading to crop destruction, soil erosion, and a threat to agriculture in other areas.

Infrastructure in Ruins: Bridges and roads collapsed, while communication and power supply in the affected areas were disrupted.

Rescue Operations: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the army, and state agencies are conducting large-scale rescue operations. They are evacuating thousands of people, setting up relief camps, and distributing food, water, hygiene kits, and essential supplies.

Warnings and Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert and warnings for ongoing rainfall in more than 19 states. This indicates the broad scale of the crisis, which has affected not only Northern India.

Dam Operations: Dams in the affected states were opened, increasing the risk of floods in the low-lying areas of India and Pakistan. This led to forced evacuations across the borders.

Regional Restrictions: In Latur and Nanded in Maharashtra, schools have been closed, transport has been suspended, and travel warnings are in effect.

Early Monsoon: The 2025 monsoon started earlier than usual and was more intense. Climate change has intensified extreme weather events, such as frequent western cyclones, which caused heavy precipitation.

Extreme Weather Conditions: The interaction of monsoons and cyclones led to sudden and intense downpours, as well as deadly thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas.

Low-income households, remote villages, and pilgrimage centers suffered the greatest damage. They faced shortages of housing, food, and disruptions in the provision of essential services.

NGO Assistance: Organizations such as SEEDS and local volunteers are providing emergency assistance, focusing on the most vulnerable populations. They are distributing food kits and supporting temporary shelters.

Action Coordination: The central government and state authorities are working closely together. The Ministry of Home Affairs is promptly allocating funds for emergency response and discussing long-term climate change adaptation measures.

Forecasting and Alerts: Advanced forecasting systems and flood-specific meteorological services are providing timely warnings. However, the unprecedented scale of the floods has tested the alert systems.

The monsoon rain crisis in India in 2025 highlights the need for increased resilience and adaptation to climate change, as such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive across the country.