Heavy rains triggering flash floods and landslides in northern Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have claimed lives of at least 30 people. As of now, more than dozens were reported missing on August 19.
On August 18, Himachal Pradesh received a record-breaking 102.5 mm of a single-day rainfall, which is 1,065 % higher than usual whereas, Uttarakhand received 34.2 mm average rainfall against a normal of 13.2 mm, a 159% rise.
In Himachal Pradesh itself, 23 people lost their lives due to rain-related incidents. Hundreds of people were evacuated to higher land, whereas more than 1,500 people, including tourists, were stranded due to damaged roads and collapsed bridges. Border Roads Organisation have rescued as many 150 tourists including foreigners from Lahul-Spiti district. The BRO team has shifted people from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas to a safer and nearby village.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO): Around 150 tourists including foreigners were rescued from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas of Lahaul-Spiti district, today after a road was washed away due to incessant rain, in Gramphu. pic.twitter.com/VpvBQd48oa
— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2019
At least 607 roads across the state including 13 national highways were blocked and six bridges were washed away. National Highway 3 connecting Manali and Kullu were severely damage.
Himachal Pradesh: National Highway (NH) 3 between Manali and Kullu partially damaged following heavy rainfall in the state. pic.twitter.com/ksmM9bGz5M
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2019
All the private and government educational institutes in Shimla were shut on August 19.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister – Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the loss of life on Twitter.
In Uttarakhand, at least four people were found dead. Devendra Patwal, Uttarkashi disaster management officer told The Times Of India that 10 people were missing due to flash floods. The worst-hit areas in Uttarakhand were Arakot, Tikochi and Makuri in Uttarkashi district.
Tons river in #Uttarkashi‘s Mori tehsil overflows following cloudburst in the area. Teams of ITBP, SDRF and NDRF engaged in rescue and evacuation. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/3Fl0k0E4EQ
— India News Gujarat (@in_gujarati) August 18, 2019
The officials said flash floods in the Mori block districts of the state have caused significant damage with hundreds of hectare of farmland been washed away with many cattle being found dead. Two people were also airlifted from Arakot and were taken to Doon Hospital.
Paber river along with other local streams flowing through the state of Uttarakhand have washed away dozens of villages. The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police and SDRF were roped in for rescue operations.
Torrential rain in Punjab has claimed three lives from a family after a roof crashed on them. The Indian Army and NDRF launched rescue operation in Jalandhar district on August 19. Around 13 villages of Phillaur districts were evacuated, and 65 villages were put on high alert. Reports of waterlogging emerged in several parts of Jalandhar city.
Jalandhar: Flood-like situation in 7 villages of Phillaur following heavy rainfall. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/tDx8wd5VaM
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2019
Due to the significant rise in the water level of Yamuna river, flood alerts have been sounded in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Harayana. On Sunday, Yamuna was flowing at 203.37 m and is anticipated to cross its danger mark of 205.33 m on August 19.
Since the arrival of monsoon this year, around 1,000 people have been reported dead due to the various rain-related accident.
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