New Delhi: India continued to reel under the monsoon onslaught, with Uttar Pradesh reporting 18 rain-related deaths in just 24 hours, and alerts issued across several states as rains triggered flooding, landslides, and widespread disruptions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), red and orange alerts have been sounded in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, and other states as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the weekend.
Uttar Pradesh: 18 Dead, Drowning and Snakebites
In the worst-hit Uttar Pradesh, at least 18 people died in rain-related incidents by 8 PM on July 18. Among them:
- 8 died due to drowning, including multiple cases in Chitrakoot, Moradabad, and Ghazipur.
- 2 died from snakebites, with Banda, Mahoba, and Lalitpur also reporting casualties.
Rajasthan: Flood-like Situation, Ana Sagar Lake Overflows
Several districts in Rajasthan, including Ajmer, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, and Pali, are facing flood-like conditions:
- 17 people stranded in the Banas River near Tonk were rescued by SDRF.
- Ajmer’s Ana Sagar Lake overflowed due to relentless rain.
- Bundi recorded the highest rainfall at 234 mm, followed by 230 mm in Nagaur and 190 mm in Ajmer.
Rain is likely to reduce in intensity from Sunday, with another heavy spell possible in eastern Rajasthan on July 27–28.
Uttarakhand: Red Alert for Kumaon, Travel Advisory Issued
A red alert has been issued for Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar on Sunday, while an orange alert covers parts of Garhwal and Kumaon including Dehradun, Pauri, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
District magistrates have been instructed to restrict movement and prepare emergency infrastructure including disaster kits and wireless communication.
Himachal Pradesh: 141 Roads Closed, Orange Alert Issued
Nine districts including Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu are under an orange alert:
- 141 roads closed, with 33 blocked in Kullu and 94 in Mandi.
- 28 transformers and 58 water supply systems disrupted.
- Notable rainfall includes 13.5 mm in Hamirpur and 8.1 mm in Karsog.
Kerala: Red Alert in 5 Northern Districts
The IMD has issued a red alert in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod:
- Widespread inundation and traffic jams reported.
- District authorities are on standby for evacuations in high-risk areas.
- Orange alerts are also in effect for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Idukki.
Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal-Sikkim Corridor: Landslides Cut Connectivity
In Lower Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, landslides snapped Aalo-Likabali road, a critical route for five districts. The NHIDCL has deployed teams to clear debris despite ongoing rain.
In West Bengal, landslides near Kalimpong blocked NH-10, the key route between Sevoke and Rangpo (Sikkim). Authorities expect to restore connectivity within 24 hours.
Delhi Weather Update
The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 25.2°C, two degrees below normal. The IMD has predicted thundershowers during the day.
As monsoon rains continue to lash large parts of the country, state and central agencies remain on high alert. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during heavy downpours, follow official weather updates, and avoid travel to high-risk zones.