Torrential rainfall batters northern states, NDRF deployed for rescue and relief operations
New Delhi, July 10: As continuous rainfall wreaked havoc in Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh for the third consecutive day, 38 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to these states to aid in rescue and relief operations. The heavy rain has claimed over 20 lives, triggered landslides, and caused flash floods in the region.
Of the deployed NDRF teams, 15 are stationed in Punjab, 12 in Uttarakhand, and 11 in Himachal Pradesh, while additional reserve teams are on standby in case of emergencies in Delhi, where the Yamuna river is rising and expected to reach 205.5 meters by tomorrow morning.
NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahedi explained that the heavy rainfall over the past three days can be attributed to Western Disturbances, which is a common occurrence during the monsoon season. The IMD provided early warnings and predictions regarding the weather conditions. The NDRF is prepared to deal with any challenges arising from the opening of reservoirs in certain areas.
Rescue operations have been carried out by NDRF personnel in Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh throughout the night, with relief materials being provided to stranded individuals at safe locations in coordination with state administrations and agencies.
As per the Mandi district SSP Soumya Sambasivan, the situation in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district is dire, with buildings, bridges, and parking lots being washed away, causing significant damage. Similar conditions exist in Punjab and Uttarakhand, where heavy rainfall has led to landslides and road damage, disrupting vehicular movement in Himachal Pradesh.
According to IMD forecasts, rainfall is expected to decrease in Himachal Pradesh but continue at a slightly lower intensity in Uttarakhand for the next three days. Eastern Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and south Rajasthan can expect heavy rain today, as indicated by the IMD.
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- With inputs from agencies
