Thursday's relentless downpours in northern India unleashed chaos. Since the onset of the monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has faced severe natural calamities, while the rising water levels of the Yamuna in Delhi remain a concern. Torrential rain and flood-like conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal have disrupted daily life, leading to the closure of educational institutions, disrupted businesses, and severely impacted road traffic.
In Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, two houses collapsed due to landslides on Thursday, resulting in one death and trapping six others under the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team rescued three individuals, including a woman, and recovered a body.
Source: aajtak
Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravi of Kullu explained that continuous rain over the past three to four days has triggered landslides in several locations. The search for the six individuals trapped under the debris at Akhara Bazaar is ongoing, but rain hampers rescue efforts.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 1,292 roads are closed in Himachal, including 294 in Mandi, 226 in Kullu, 216 in Shimla, 204 in Chamba, and 91 in Sirmaur.
The local meteorological department warns of potential thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of the state on Friday and Saturday. Since the monsoon's commencement (June 20), Himachal has recorded 95 flash floods, 45 cloudbursts, and 127 significant landslides. At least 343 people have died due to rain-related incidents and road accidents, with 43 missing. The state has suffered losses amounting to Rs. 3,690 crores this monsoon.
Jammu & Kashmir Cut Off from Road Connectivity
The Kashmir Valley was cut off from the rest of the country due to heavy rain and landslides on Thursday. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, among others, remained closed at various points due to landslides and road washouts. Highway closures have stranded over 3,500 vehicles across the region from Kathua to Kashmir since August 26. Temporary highway openings on Monday allowed some trapped vehicles to move.
The Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar highways are also closed due to landslides and road breakages. Heavy rain and sudden floods since August 26 have disrupted rail traffic in the Jammu railway division for the past nine days due to track damage and disruptions in the Pathankot-Jammu section.
Source: aajtak
Rains have severely impacted road and rail traffic in Jammu since August 26, especially affecting stranded pilgrims. A landslide near Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra previously resulted in 34 fatalities.
Yamuna Levels Steady in Delhi, Flood Threat Lingers
In Delhi, the Yamuna's water level stabilized at 207.46 meters from 11 AM to noon on Thursday at the Old Railway Bridge (RoB). Officials expect a gradual decline in water levels, though floodwaters remain in nearby areas and relief camps. Floodwaters reached Delhi Secretariat, housing offices of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and top bureaucrats.
Floods also reached Sri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Temple near Kashmere Gate. A devotee noted, "Every year, as Yamuna's levels rise, Hanuman Ji's idol receives a holy bath, considered sacred by us."
Delhi residents have faced dual woes from incessant rains in recent days, with inundations and Yamuna floods causing massive traffic jams. According to the Revenue Department, 8,018 individuals were relocated to tents, and 2,030 to 13 permanent shelters.
Source: aajtak
Punjab Faces Worst Floods in Decades
Punjab currently grapples with its worst flood disaster in decades. Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have sent the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal streams, surging. This calamity has claimed 37 lives and affected over 355,000 people. More than 175,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, officials said.
Source: aajtak
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan visited flood-stricken areas in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts on Thursday, engaging with affected people, including farmers. Given the flood situation, the Punjab government extended holidays for all schools, colleges, and universities until September 7.
Emergency Meeting in Haryana
Haryana's Public Health and Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, directing officials to ensure immediate water drainage and uninterrupted drinking water supply across the state.
Yamuna Water Level Update (September 4, 2025, 10:00 PM)
Water level at Old Railway Bridge (ORB): 207.40 meters Discharge at Hathnikund Barrage: 1,31,730 cusec Discharge at Wazirabad Barrage: 1,84,970 cusec Discharge at Okhla Barrage: 2,44,478 cusec
