Which states in northern India are experiencing heavy rainfall?
Heavy rain has affected many states in north India, like Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, etc. In many cities and towns, lots of roads and buildings are still flooded with water up to one’s knees.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says that more rain is expected in the coming days in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi, and the nearby areas (oh no!).
The IMD said the heavy rainfall was caused by "western disturbances" and monsoonal winds. These "western disturbances" are cyclones that start in the Mediterranean region. When they reach India, they bring lots of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
How is heavy rainfall affecting these states?
People from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi shared scary pictures of the damage caused by heavy rainfall. The photos show cars floating, water rushing into homes, and even land cave-ins. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, landslides and flash floods from heavy rain destroyed houses and buildings.
The heavy rain in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana also caused floods in low-lying areas. Many roads and buildings were damaged too. The state governments are doing their best to help the people.
What are the state governments doing?
The Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has asked people to stay indoors. The government of Himachal Pradesh has set up helpline numbers that people can call in case they are stuck in a flooded area or know of someone else who needs help.
On 10th July 2023, schools in Gurugram and Delhi were closed because of flooding. The Delhi government has set up 16 control centres to watch areas that are likely to flood.
CM Arvind Kejriwal had a meeting to talk about waterlogging caused by heavy rain in the city. He also talked about the rising water levels in the Yamuna River. Authorities in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana are also helping people during this tough time.
39 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been sent to help out citizens in four north Indian states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh). Let’s hope the people stay safe and do not face any harm.
How can someone protect themselves during such heavy rainfall?
During heavy rains, the safest place to be is inside a building. Try not to go outside unless you really have to. Keep updated on the weather by watching the news or using weather apps. It's better to stay away from rivers and places that often flood.
Heavy rains can cause damage to power lines. So, it's best to keep a safe distance from them and report any issues to the authorities.
It's a good idea to have non-perishable food, drinking water, a torch, batteries, and a first aid kit nearby in case of an emergency. These steps can help you stay safe during heavy rainfall.
