AFP :
At least 32 people have died in rain-related incidents across seven states since Wednesday, as monsoon mayhem continued to wreak havoc.
Lightning strikes have caused the deaths of five people across two districts in Bihar.
At least 14 people have been confirmed dead and many others are missing following devastating cloudbursts in India’s Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The heavy rainfall complicated ongoing rescue operations as authorities strive to locate the missing individuals. With more rain forecasted, the number of fatalities is expected to rise.
In Uttarakhand, ten people have been reported dead. Tehri District Magistrate Mayur Dixit indicated that it could take four to five days to rebuild the bridge essential for the Chardham Yatra, India Today reports.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to visit the affected areas soon.
A cloudburst in Pauri district caused significant damage, destroying fields, cowsheds, and inundating homes with debris. Culverts in the Chauthan area were also washed away.
In Himachal Pradesh, four people have died, with two casualties each reported in Mandi and Rampur. Additionally, 44 people are missing after multiple cloudbursts hit the state.
A cloudburst near a hydro project site in Samej Khad, Shimla district, led to one death and left 36 people missing
Amidst heavy rainfall, rescue operations are underway in Rampur. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap confirmed the concerted efforts to locate and rescue the missing individuals.
As the region braces for continued rainfall, authorities are on high alert, and relief operations remain a priority to mitigate further loss of life and property.
A heavy spell of rain, featuring “extremely intense” showers in some areas, brought Delhi to a standstill on Wednesday evening.
The downpour resulted in nightmarish traffic snarls and widespread waterlogging, blocking several key stretches and leaving commuters stranded for up to four hours. Major routes, including ITO and parts of Ring Road, were gridlocked, causing significant disruption.
This rain marked the most extensive heavy rainfall in Delhi this season. It was the second occurrence of heavy rain since the onset of the monsoon.