Non-stop relentless monsoon rains have caused floods and landslides across several northern states of India, which caused widespread destruction. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are among the worst hit states. At least 30 people have lost their lives following a massive landslide that hit the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra track in Katra. IMD issues heavy rainfall and thunderstorms warning. Rivers such as Beas in Himachal Pradesh are overflowing, roads washed away and people are displaced. Thankfully, rescue teams have been deployed and relief efforts are ongoing with full throttle. 

Jammu bridges, power lines collapse

At least 32 people lost their lives and 23 others were injured on Wednesday when a massive landslide hit the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra track in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, following heavy rainfall. Rescue teams from multiple agencies are carrying out operations to locate survivors and provide aid. The shrine path on Trikuta hill has been left badly damaged.

This comes just a day after another landslide struck the same route on Tuesday afternoon, killing nine pilgrims and injuring 21 others. The forceful collapse of the hillside caused widespread destruction and officials have cautioned that the death toll could rise further.

In Jammu, the damage was severe as several bridges collapsed while power lines and mobile towers were badly affected, disrupting essential infrastructure. The situation has also led to the closure of major roads, including the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44).

The Indian Army has begun large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in the flood-hit Jammu region, deploying several rescue teams and helicopters to evacuate stranded civilians, students, and security forces.

Heavy rainfall in the region has caused the Tawi river to swell, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert in Jammu. “A flood alert has been sounded. The administration has appealed to the public to avoid going near rivers and nallahs. The traffic is operating on the highway. We are taking all measures to ensure the safety of the people,” Jammu DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma told ANI.

IMD warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms in Jammu

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday morning reported widespread thunderstorm activity across several parts of Jammu. According to an update shared at 5:10 am, severe convection accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the possibility of hail was observed over Jammu, RS Pura, Samba, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Kot Bhalwal, Bishnah, Vijaypur, Purmandal, and parts of Kathua and Udhampur.

The IMD further noted that moderate convection, likely to bring light to moderate rain, is affecting Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Billawar, Katra, Ramnagar, Hiranagar, Gool, Banihal, and nearby areas of Samba and Kathua districts.

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Himachal Pradesh’s Beas river in spate

In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rainfall caused the River Beas to overflow in Manali, sweeping away a multi-storey hotel, four shops and several houses. 

A two-storey building in Bahang was washed away, while two restaurants and two shops also collapsed. 

The Manali-Leh highway was blocked in several locations, leaving hundreds of residents stranded without electricity or connectivity. Additionally, extensive damage has been reported, but no casualties have been confirmed so far.

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Punjab on high alert, Majha hits worst

Heavy rainfall has triggered a flood crisis in Punjab, particularly in the catchment areas of the Majha region. Authorities have ordered schools to remain closed in several districts. In Gurdaspur’s Dera Baba Nanak sub-division, floodwater from the Ravi river breached the Dhusi bandh at Ghaniye Ke village, submerging hundreds of acres of farmland and damaging crops. 

To manage the situation, the state government has set up a central flood control centre in Jalandhar and deployed NDRF and SDRF teams to assist local administrations.

In a swift rescue mission, the Indian Army Aviation evacuated 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks in Punjab since yesterday. Around 6 AM today, Army Aviation helicopters were pressed into action, braving tough conditions to carry out the operation. According to the Army, all those stranded were safely rescued and brought to safety.

Over 700 villages flooded in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, more than 700 villages across 22 districts have been inundated as rivers continue to swell from incessant rainfall in both the mountains and plains. Downstream areas are facing severe flooding, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to intensify rescue and relief work, ensure the safety of residents and make arrangements for cattle.

Floodwaters from the rising River Ganga submerged residential areas and temples in Varanasi after continuous heavy rainfall lashed the city.

Two killed in Maharashtra’s Virar

Two people were killed after a portion of Ramabai Apartment, a residential building in Virar East, collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday. Eyewitnesses believe that 15 to 20 people could still be trapped under the debris.