Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau
Due to continuing monsoon activity, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi. Flash floods damaged crops and agricultural land in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), while heavy monsoon disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh, and the weather office has put a heavy rain alert in 10 districts of Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, schools remained closed in Dehradun today, August 5, due to heavy rainfall.
IMD issues yellow alert for Delhi till August 10
IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky over Delhi and predicted rains until August 10. For Wednesday, the weather office has predicted moderate rainfall. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain near 24 degrees Celsius.
Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with 153 roads remaining blocked, 191 power distribution transformers (DTRs) out of service and 58 water supply schemes affected, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
Of the 153 blocked roads, Mandi district accounted for the highest number with 51, followed by Sirmaur (39), Kullu (36) and Shimla (15).
The number of blocked roads showed a marginal improvement from 157 reported earlier in the day, but remained significantly higher than Monday evening’s figure of 109.
Heavy rain alert in 10 U’khand districts
10 districts of Uttarakhand have been placed on high alert as the monsoon continues to batter the Himalayan state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state over the coming days.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Wednesday in Dehradun and Bageshwar districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall. It has also warned of the possibility of lightning and thunderstorms at isolated places in both districts. As a precautionary measure, educational institutions in both districts will remain closed on Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall has also been predicted for Tehri, Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Nainital, Champawat and Pithoragarh districts.
Flash floods, heavy rain in J&K
Extensive damage to agricultural land and standing crops has been reported from Mehra village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after fresh flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall swept through the area, leaving several farming families facing severe losses.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated heavy rainfall is likely over parts of Jammu and Kashmir, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The weather department has advised people to remain alert, particularly in vulnerable areas, as heavy rain may lead to localised flooding, flash floods and landslides in susceptible locations.
Meanwhile, the flood situation report issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that heavy rainfall has affected several districts, leading to flash floods, damage to roads and public infrastructure, and disruption of normal life in vulnerable areas. Authorities have deployed rescue and relief teams, while district administrations are assessing damage to houses, agricultural land and public assets. Officials have urged people living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas to exercise caution and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
Damage assessment is underway in Rajouri, with affected families seeking compensation and restoration measures for the loss of agricultural land and livelihoods.
