 |
|
The relentless downpours across India have triggered flood-like situations in several states, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. From Gujarat in the west to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south, the heavy rains have resulted in significant disruptions to daily life, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people and leading to the tragic loss of dozens of lives.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the recent heavy rainfall has been particularly devastating. Torrential rains have caused widespread havoc, leading to the loss of at least 25 lives in flooding and rain-related incidents over the past two days. The city of Vijayawada has been particularly hard hit, with continuous downpours resulting from a depression in the region. The Indian government has pledged to provide all necessary assistance to both states, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing relevant departments to provide immediate aid and equipment for flood relief operations.
Gujarat has also been severely affected by the heavy rains, with massive flooding across the state. Since Sunday, at least 28 people have lost their lives, and more than 24,000 residents have been relocated to safer areas. Several rivers and reservoirs have overflowed, pushing water levels beyond the danger mark and prompting widespread evacuation efforts. The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the worst-affected areas to carry out relief and rescue operations. The state remains on high alert as the meteorological department predicts continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rainfall has also led to significant disruptions, with 109 roads, including National Highway 707, closed due to landslides and flooding. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has issued a warning for flash floods in several districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Kinnaur. A 'yellow' alert has been declared for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas. The road closures have severely impacted transportation, with Sirmaur district experiencing the highest number of closures. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate relief efforts to ensure the safety of residents in these vulnerable regions.
The ongoing efforts of rescue teams, supported by state and central governments, are crucial in mitigating the impact of this natural disaster. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the current situation and plan their journeys accordingly, as the heavy rains and flooding are expected to continue for the coming days.
Source: Travel alert: From Gujarat to Andhra, places facing flood-like situation due to heavy rainfall