In August 2025, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in northern India. From Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the situation has become reminiscent of a 'Himalayan Tsunami'. This term describes rapid floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the Himalayan regions that extend devastation to the plains.
On August 26-27, Jammu recorded 296 mm of rain, breaking a 115-year record. Landslides on the Vaishno Devi route resulted in 35 casualties, while the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers in Punjab have swollen to dangerous levels. Flood-like conditions have emerged in regions such as Ajmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
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In total, over 100 fatalities have occurred across more than 10 states, with thousands left homeless. Roads and bridges have washed away. Let's delve into why this intense rainfall is resulting in such destruction. What are the causes? What do the statistics reveal?
Source: aajtak
The monsoon of 2025 has brought unusually heavy rain to northern India. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)...
Jammu & Kashmir:
On August 26, Jammu saw 296 mm of rain, Bhaderwah 100 mm, and Kathua 155 mm. Within 24 hours, 368 mm of rain-induced cloudbursts elevated the Tawi, Chenab, and Basantar rivers above danger levels. Landslides on the Vaishno Devi route claimed 34 lives and injured 23. Overall, there were 41 deaths and over 6000 displaced individuals. Around 690 roads were closed, 956 transformers were damaged, and 517 water supply plans were impacted.
Punjab:
The Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers are swelling. Situated under flood conditions are Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Firozpur, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Sangrur, Mansa, and Bathinda districts. Seven districts are completely submerged, destroying thousands of farmers' crops. Helicopters rescued 22 CRPF personnel and 3 civilians. Schools were closed from August 27 to 30.
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Rajasthan:
Ajmer recorded 190 mm, Nagaur 230 mm, and Bundi 234 mm of rainfall. The Ajmer-Pushkar, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, and Pali regions experienced floods. Ana Sagar Lake overflowed, cutting off several villages. Monsoon rainfall was 126% above average. Heavy rainfall warnings were issued for the Jodhpur division.
Other Impacted Areas:
In Himachal, 320 roads are closed, and the Manali-Leh highway is washed away. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the Ganga is swollen. Across 10 states, over 100 deaths occurred. About 70,000 tourists are stranded. Losses exceed 1000 crore. NDRF, SDRF, and the army have rescued over 5000 individuals.
The IMD has issued red alerts for Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal. Heavy rain is also likely from August 29 to September 1 in eastern Rajasthan and Himachal.
Source: aajtak
While the monsoon season is typical in India, the intensity this year is unprecedented. According to experts, 'Himalayan Tsunami' indicates rapid floods emanating from the Himalayas, extending destruction across plains. The causes can be categorized into two types...
1. Natural Causes: Climate Change and Weather Anomalies
Heavy Rainfall and Cloudbursts:
Cloudbursts (exceeding 100 mm of rain in an hour) have become common in the Himalayan regions. According to the IMD, a convergence of low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal and Western Disturbances activated the monsoon trough. Cyclonic winds over Rajasthan increased moisture. Warm ocean surfaces (Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal) reinforced the low-pressure systems.
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Impact of Climate Change:
Rising global temperatures increase atmospheric moisture by 7%, intensifying rainfall. According to the IPCC report, the frequency of floods in the Himalayan regions has increased over 60 years. In 2025, as in 2023, El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) disrupted the monsoon. The southward drift of the jet stream and atmospheric rivers (narrow moisture streams) led to heavy rain in traditionally arid areas like Rajasthan-Punjab.
Melting Glaciers and GLOF:
Glacial flow from glaciers like Gangotri has reduced by 10% (IIT Indore study), exacerbating the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Similar to the 2021 Uttarakhand floods, these extend to the plains.
Geographical Causes:
The steep slopes of the Himalayas and the flat lands of the Indo-Gangetic plain accelerate floodwaters. Sediment deposition reduces river capacity.
2. Human Causes: Development and Negligence
Unplanned Construction and Deforestation:
Roads, dams, and hotels built in Himalayan regions have destabilized slopes. The impact was evident in the 2013 Kedarnath disaster (5000 deaths) and the 2023 Himachal flood (330 deaths). Landslides on the Vaishno Devi route are linked to riverbank construction.
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Encroachment on Riverbanks:
Settlements along riverbanks in Punjab and Rajasthan are washed away in floods. Excess water discharge from dams (like Bhakra-Nangal and Pong) affects the plains.
Lack of Drainage Systems:
Urbanization has impaired water drainage. The Delhi-Yamuna flood serves as an example. According to the Swiss Re report, natural disasters caused 12.6 lakh crore in damage between 2000 and 2025, with floods being key contributors.
Other: Mining and agriculture increase soil erosion. The CEEW study indicates monsoon rainfall increased by 10% in 55% of tehsils, yet distribution remains irregular.
Source: aajtak
Impact: Economic, Social, and Environmental
Human Loss: 100+ deaths, thousands displaced. Affecting 6000 people in Jammu and 17000 families in Punjab.
Economic: Crops destroyed (millios hectares in Punjab), transportation halted due to washed-out roads and bridges. Himachal suffers a loss of 1000 crore. Overall, losses estimated at 10,000 crore.
Environmental: Soil erosion, biodiversity loss. Pollution increased in the Ganga Basin.
Social: Schools and colleges closed, trains and flights canceled, communication disrupted. In Ladakh, 70 hours of continuous rain and snowfall endanger mud houses.
The 'Himalayan Tsunami' may be a natural phenomenon, yet human negligence renders it more lethal. Observing IMD warnings, conserving forests, adopting smart city planning, and climate adaptation are essential. Teams like the NDRF performed commendably, but local-level drainage improvement and strict construction regulations are required.
Flood occurrences will rise due to climate change, necessitating prioritization of disaster management in 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. According to the IMD, relief might begin from August 29, but vigilance is essential. This disaster teaches us to respect nature, or damage will increase.
