Torrential Rains Batter North India, Triggering Red Alerts and Disruptions

New Delhi, Sept 3:Relentless monsoon rains battered northern and central India on Wednesday, forcing authorities to issue red alerts in seven states as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of extreme rainfall, flash floods, and landslides over the next two days.

The highest alerts were sounded for Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, where authorities are bracing for a repeat of last year’s devastation.

Widespread Disruptions Reported

Ghaziabad district officials ordered the closure of all schools from nursery to Class 12, prioritizing the safety of students. Across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, roads were waterlogged, power lines snapped, and vehicles stranded as sudden downpours paralyzed routine life.

Urban centers including Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Jaipur witnessed waist-deep water in low-lying colonies. Rail and air traffic delays were reported in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the postponement of its crucial CA examinations in centers across Punjab and Jammu City, affecting thousands of aspirants. New schedules will be announced once conditions stabilize.

Disaster Response in Full Swing

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster units have been deployed across flood-prone districts, equipped with inflatable boats and medical kits. Helplines have been activated in all affected states, while state governments have urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel.

“People are advised to keep emergency kits ready, store drinking water, and avoid venturing into flooded areas,” the IMD said in a special bulletin. The agency also issued three-hour cloudburst warnings for sensitive zones in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Climate Change Link

Experts warned that the severity of rainfall underscores the growing influence of climate change.“Such extreme rainfall events are no longer anomalies — they are becoming the norm,” said Dr. Meera Joshi, environmental scientist. “Our infrastructure is struggling to cope, and without stronger climate adaptation measures, these disasters will only grow worse.”

The IMD emphasized that the situation remains “extremely dynamic,” urging constant monitoring over the next 48 hours.

For millions across India’s northern belt, the rains have brought life to a standstill — a reminder of both the blessings and fury of the monsoon.