Monsoon 2024: Torrential Rains Lash North India, Delhi's Rain-Related Death Toll Reaches 11 — Updates
Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across several parts of north India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four to five days. The deluge has resulted in tragic consequences in Delhi, where the death toll from rain-related incidents rose to 11 after the bodies of three labourers were retrieved from the rubble of a collapsed wall at a Vasant Vihar construction site on Friday.
Orange Alert In Delhi, Himachal Pradesh For Heavy Rains
Rainfall pounded various parts of the national capital, including Rohini, Burari, and central Delhi, on Saturday. According to IMD data, the city's primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 8.9 mm of rain, while Lodhi Road witnessed 12.6 mm between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm. Notably, Delhi experienced 228.1 mm of rainfall on Friday, the highest for the month of June since 1936. The IMD has issued an 'orange alert' for the next three days, with moderate to heavy rain expected in the coming week.
The maximum temperature in Delhi on Saturday settled at 35.6 degrees Celsius, a slight increase from 32.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.
In Himachal Pradesh, an 'orange' alert has been issued for heavy downpours and thunderstorms from June 30 to July 2. Rainfall disrupted normal life in several districts, leading to the closure of three roads in Kangra, Kullu, and Solan. Additionally, 76 transformers were reported to be disrupted. Dharampur recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 62.4 mm, followed by 52.4 mm in Dharamshala, 39 mm in Kasauli, and 33.6 mm in Jubbarhatti. Una was the hottest during the day at 37.6 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest night temperature at 10.2 degrees Celsius.
In Uttarakhand, heavy rain lashed Haridwar, causing severe flooding in the Sukhi river and washing away several parked cars. The sudden rise in water levels also led to rainwater gushing into homes and waterlogging major roads in the pilgrimage town.
Rajasthan too has been grappling with continuous monsoon rains. Raisinghnagar in western Rajasthan recorded the highest rainfall at 72.3 mm, while Kaman in Bharatpur received 68 mm. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in several parts of the state over the next few days.
The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan from June 29 to July 3. Very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan, and west Madhya Pradesh during this period.
The southwest monsoon has advanced further into the remaining parts of east Uttar Pradesh and some areas of west Uttar Pradesh. The IMD indicated favourable conditions for the monsoon to advance into more parts of west Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and the remaining areas of west Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu over the next two to three days.