Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Continuous downpours have thrown several northern states into crisis, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for multiple districts. The agency has forecast moderate to intense rain spells over the next three hours, warning of flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
Torrential Rains in Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir has been the worst affected so far. The districts of Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Doda, and Kishtwar remain under red alert. Reasi received over 230 mm of rain by early Wednesday, while Katra (193 mm) and Batote (157 mm) also saw very high totals. Towns like Doda, Banihal, and Baderwah recorded more than 100 mm within 24 hours.
In view of the weather threat, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, has ordered the closure of all schools across the division for September 3.
Punjab, Himachal, and Haryana Brace for Impact
In Punjab, the districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Barnala, Nawashahr, Sangrur, and Rupnagar are facing the heaviest rain warnings. Himachal Pradesh has declared alerts in Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Solan, with the possibility of landslides in mountain regions.
Parts of Haryana, including Yamuna Nagar, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, and SAS Nagar, are also under red alert as rivers and drains continue to swell.
Wider Rainfall Across the Country
Beyond the northern belt, rainfall activity was also reported in Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, coastal Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Andaman Islands, though at lower intensity.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Officials have appealed to people living near rivers, drains, and landslide-prone areas to exercise extreme caution. Emergency response teams have been placed on high readiness, and monitoring of water levels continues round-the-clock.
The IMD has advised citizens to stay indoors during heavy spells, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow advisories issued by local administrations.
