Across the nation, relentless rainfall and flooding have wreaked havoc. Many rivers rage with fury, causing widespread destruction. The waters released from Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir have elevated Punjab’s major rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—causing severe flood conditions.
Critical Flood Crises Across Several States
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), 24 rivers in India face severe flooding threats, with 33 additional rivers surpassing normal levels. The states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha continue to battle severe flood scenarios as heavy rains and river swells cause conditions to deteriorate further.
Consequently, heavy rains have also been projected for the mountainous northern states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, further elevating water levels in the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Alaknanda, and Bhagirathi rivers.
Source: aajtak
Punjab’s 23 Districts and Over 350,000 People Affected
All 23 districts of Punjab are underwater, impacting 1,655 villages and over 350,000 residents. School and college closures extend from September 3rd to 7th. Tragic loss of life includes 37 individuals from August 1 to September 3. Villages submerged, homes isolated, crops devastated. The Army and NDRF tirelessly work to deliver aid.
Punjab's trifecta of raging rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—brings an unprecedented flood situation in 37 years. Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar endure severe impacts. Rescue operations continue for stranded people, transporting them to safety from rooftops and elevated areas.
Source: aajtak
Rising Yamuna Waters Exceed Danger Mark
For four consecutive days, the Yamuna's levels have surpassed danger marks. Areas near the Yamuna are inundated, affecting landmarks from the Chief Minister's office to Rajghat, Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Yamuna Bazaar, and Monastery Market. Over 10,000 people have been moved to relief camps. Although the water level is now decreasing, it remains above 207 meters, recorded at 207.31 meters at the Old Railway Bridge on September 5th morning.
Currently flowing well above danger levels, the Yamuna is projected to reach 207.15 meters at the old bridge by 8 PM. Danger level for Yamuna in Delhi is 205.33 meters, previously reaching 208.66 meters on July 13, 2023.
50 Dams and Barrages in Sensitive Zones
The CWC notes issues flood forecasts for 50 reservoirs and barrages nationwide. Key projects in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are of concern. Gujarat anticipates river surges among Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, and Banas within the next few days.
Eastern states face dire situations too, with Odisha’s rivers like Burhabalang, Subarnarekha, Baitarani, and Mahanadi ranging from 'above normal' to 'severe flood' levels. The Ganges and Kosi in Bihar are dangerously high.
CWC forecasts severe or above-normal flooding for seven days in various stations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. Meteorological predictions warn of heavy rain in certain areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Out-of-Control Jhelum River Devastates Kashmir
Floods have now struck Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Reminiscent of 2014 when over 200 people perished, Jhelum’s raging waters unleash havoc in South Kashmir again.
