Heavy rains have disrupted normal life in several states across the country. Landslides have closed highways in Uttarakhand, collapsed bridges in Chhattisgarh, and lightning has killed 10 people in Bihar and Jharkhand.
New Delhi: The impact of the monsoon continues to increase across the country. Heavy rains have disrupted normal life in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and other states. Roads have been blocked and bridges damaged due to landslides. Flood-like conditions have developed in several states, and the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rains in several areas for the coming days.
Landslides in Uttarakhand Close Highway, Difficulties Rising for Travelers
Due to the continuous rains, the incidence of landslides has increased in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. The Yamunotri National Highway has been blocked at several locations in Uttarkashi district due to debris, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and other travelers on the Char Dham Yatra. The threat of landslides has also increased in several districts, including Rudraprayag. The administration is continuously working to clear roads and restore traffic, while people have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
Bridge collapses in Chhattisgarh, bus stranded midway
Due to continuous rains in Chhattisgarh, a bridge on the Bilaspur-Ratanpur-Pendra road collapsed in two. A passenger bus traveling on the bridge became stranded midway. However, passengers were rescued in time. Traffic on the bridge has been completely halted after the damage. The administration has arranged for alternative routes and is preparing to begin repairs.
Rivers in Uttar Pradesh are in spate, flood-like conditions in many villages
The effects of continuous rain in the hilly areas are also being felt in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 10 rivers, including the Ganga, Ghaghra, and Sharda, are flowing near or above the danger mark. The Ganges has entered six villages in Bijnor district, submerging roads and forcing people to travel by boat in many places. The Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for all 75 districts in the state, with heavy rainfall predicted in 18 districts, including Gorakhpur and Sitapur.
10 people killed in lightning strikes in Bihar and Jharkhand
A total of 10 people were killed in lightning strikes in various areas of Banka, Bihar, and Jharkhand on Sunday. Several others were also reported injured. The Meteorological Department has advised people to stay away from open fields, trees, and electric poles during this inclement weather. An alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms has been issued in 25 districts of Bihar, while several districts, including Patna, have been experiencing continuous rainfall since Monday morning.
Heavy rain alert issued in several states
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), several states, including Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, may experience light to heavy rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours. A yellow alert has been issued in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Champawat districts. Heavy rain is also expected in nine districts of Haryana. At present, there is little chance of heavy rain in Madhya Pradesh, while temperatures in Rajasthan have dropped after the rain.
The Meteorological Department has appealed to people to avoid going near rivers and streams, to exercise caution while traveling in hilly areas, and to follow the guidelines issued by the administration. In view of the constantly changing weather, the administrations of all states have been instructed to remain vigilant.