Torrential rains battered several parts of north India on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four to five days. The deluge has led to tragic consequences in Delhi, where the death toll from rain-related incidents climbed to 11 in the last three days after three labourers were found dead under the debris of a collapsed wall in Vasant Vihar amidst heavy downpours.
IMD issues orange alert for Delhi
IMD has forecasted even heavier rainfall spells for the national capital on Sunday and Monday. According to the weather department, Delhi is set to experience moderate to heavy rain over the next seven days, with an ‘orange alert’ issued for the next three days in its latest seven-day forecast.
Rainfall persisted through Saturday in various parts of the national capital, including Rohini, Burari, and central Delhi. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded 8.9 mm of rainfall, while Lodhi Road logged 12.6 mm between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm.
Friday saw Delhi soaked with 228.1 mm of rainfall, marking the highest June precipitation since 1936. The IMD has issued an ‘orange alert’ for the next three days, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the coming week.
Torrential rains likely in parts of north, central India till July 3
According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan from June 29 to July 3. Very heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan, and west Madhya Pradesh during this period.
In Himachal Pradesh, the meteorological center issued an ‘orange’ alert from June 30 to July 2 due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The inclement weather led to the closure of roads in Kangra, Kullu, and Solan districts. Seventy-six transformers were disrupted, according to official data.
Dharampur received the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 62.4 mm, followed by Dharamshala at 52.4 mm, Kasauli at 39 mm, and Jubbarhatti at 33.6 mm.
In Uttarakhand, heavy rain inundated Haridwar, causing flooding in the Sukhi river and sweeping away several cars parked along its dry riverbed. The downpour inundated homes and major roads in the pilgrimage town.
Rajasthan, too, faced a deluge with heavy rainfall predicted in several parts over the next few days. Raisinghnagar recorded the highest rainfall at 72.3 mm, while Kaman in Bharatpur witnessed 68 mm of rain.
Southwest monsoon on track
The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of east Uttar Pradesh and some areas of west Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, with favourable conditions for its progress into more regions 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, the IMD added.