New Delhi: India is witnessing intensified rainfall over the last couple of days across several states, triggering landslides, swollen rivers, flooding, road blockages, transport disruptions, and widespread waterlogging. According to the latest reports, at least 28 lives have been lost in rain-related incidents across Kerala, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, rescue operations remain on high alert as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds continue to batter large parts of the country.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several regions, including Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, prompting administrations to issue advisories and precautionary measures.
Monsoon Turns Deadly: Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra Bear the Brunt
In Kerala, a landslide struck a tunnel road construction site in Wayanad, killing at least four people, while more than nine others remain missing. Search and rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire services, and other government agencies continue operations in difficult weather conditions. Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the incident. Wayanad Superintendent of Police Devamanohar confirmed that rescue efforts are focused on locating the missing workers. Meanwhile, Gujarat’s Surat reported five rain-related deaths after parts of the state witnessed “extremely heavy” rainfall over the past two days. In Maharashtra, relentless showers over recent days have resulted in 20 fatalities in Palghar district, highlighting the severe impact of the monsoon across western India.
Karnataka Issues Red Alert, Schools Shut Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
The Dakshina Kannada district administration has declared a holiday for schools and pre-university colleges on Wednesday following the IMD’s warning of heavy rainfall. A Red Alert has also been issued for the district. Authorities have advised tourists to stay away from riversides, beaches, and hilly regions, citing the risk of landslides and flash floods. Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea, while officials across all taluks have been directed to remain stationed at their headquarters to respond swiftly to emergencies. The administration has urged residents to exercise caution as the weather conditions remain unpredictable.
Delhi-NCR Struggles With Flooded Roads, Traffic Chaos
The first spell of monsoon has significantly disrupted life across Delhi-NCR. Delhi recorded its wettest day of the year so far, with heavy rainfall leading to severe waterlogging, uprooted trees, and traffic congestion across major roads. The situation was particularly difficult in Gurugram, where road cave-ins, flooded streets, and massive traffic snarls brought daily life to a standstill. Recognising the worsening conditions, Gurugram Police urged corporate offices to implement Work from Home (WFH) arrangements to reduce traffic congestion and ensure public safety.
School Bus Trapped as Road Caves In Gurugram; Key Areas Waterlogged
One of the most alarming incidents reported from Gurugram involved a school bus carrying children, which partially sank after a section of the road collapsed beneath it. Heavy flooding was reported from several major locations, including outside Medanta Hospital, Hero Honda Chowk, Baani Square, Mayfield Gardens (Sector 51), and Ardee City (Sector 52). Traffic moved at a crawl across several arterial roads as commuters faced long delays throughout the day.
Mumbai Gets Temporary Relief, But Rail Services Remain Affected
After witnessing two consecutive days of intense rainfall, Mumbai experienced relatively lighter showers on Tuesday, providing temporary relief to residents. Road traffic and suburban local train services gradually returned to normal. However, railway operations continued to face disruptions in parts of western India due to waterlogging between Sachin and Bhestan stations. Western Railway announced the rescheduling of several long-distance trains, including services between Valsad, Vadodara, Bandra Terminus, Haridwar, Barauni, Amritsar, and Gomti Nagar. Additionally, multiple train services, including Valsad–Bharuch, Dahanu Road–Vadodara, Valsad–Ahmedabad, and select Borivali-bound express trains, were cancelled. Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journeys.
Search Operations Intensify After Wayanad Landslide
Rescue teams continue round-the-clock operations at the Wayanad landslide site as authorities search for those still missing. Teams from the NDRF, Kerala Police, Fire Department, and other government agencies are navigating difficult terrain and unstable conditions caused by continuous rainfall.
Rainfall Deficit Narrows as July Brings Strong Monsoon Activity
The Central Government has stated that India’s cumulative rainfall deficit has now reduced to 12 per cent, thanks to above-normal rainfall during the first week of July. Earlier, June had recorded a 40 per cent rainfall deficit, raising concerns about the overall monsoon season. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that an El Nino year does not necessarily translate into below-normal rainfall, suggesting that the current monsoon may continue to improve rainfall distribution across the country.
Heavy Rains Lash Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Heavy overnight rainfall inundated several parts of Dungarpur in Rajasthan, leaving roads submerged and water levels exceeding three feet in parts of the old city, including Ghati, Kanera Pol, Mochi Bazar, and Bhoiwada. The intense spell was accompanied by thunder and lightning, resulting in widespread waterlogging. In Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, rising water levels in the Shipra River submerged several temples. Authorities have deployed additional Home Guard personnel to warn tourists against entering deep waters, while monitoring river conditions around the clock.
Cloudburst Reported in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu
A cloudburst struck the high-altitude region of Garsa Shilanala in Kullu district, causing a sharp rise in the water level of the Garsa Khad. Although no casualties have been reported, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, fearing further rainfall could trigger flash floods or landslides in the region.
Authorities Urge Vigilance as Monsoon Intensifies
With heavy rainfall expected to continue across several states, authorities are urging residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow weather advisories. People living in landslide-prone or low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious, while tourists have been requested to avoid rivers, beaches, and mountainous regions until conditions improve. Emergency services remain on standby across affected states as rescue operations and relief efforts continue.
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the information and reflects the latest available updates as of July 8. Weather conditions, casualty figures, rescue operations, transport services, and official advisories may change as new information becomes available. Readers are advised to follow updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), local administrations, and official government agencies for the latest developments.
