Parts of Delhi and Indian-occupied Kashmir faced severe flooding on Thursday after two major rivers breached danger levels following heavy rainfall across northern India. The ongoing monsoon season has already caused widespread destruction, claiming at least 130 lives in August, and continues to threaten lives, property, and livelihoods.
In the hilly regions of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, torrential rains caused rivers to swell dangerously. The Jhelum River, in particular, breached its embankment, flooding residential areas in Srinagar and prompting authorities to urge evacuations.
Members of the National Disaster Response Force were deployed to rescue families from affected areas, including Zoonipora village in Budgam district. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, noted that although the Jhelum’s rise was slower than anticipated, the administration remained vigilant and continued monitoring the situation closely.
The deluge also triggered a landslide at the Ratle hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River in Drabshalla, with rescuers searching for anyone trapped under debris. Indian weather officials forecast a temporary respite, with moderate rainfall expected in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand on Thursday.
In Delhi, the Yamuna River surpassed the danger mark on Tuesday, creating a “severe” situation, according to the Central Water Commission. Muddy floodwaters poured into homes in low-lying areas, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
Authorities closed the historic Loha Pul (Iron Bridge) in the older part of the city to prevent accidents. Residents navigated floodwaters near the Red Fort, some carrying Lord Ganesha idols for annual immersion rituals in the swollen river.
The floods have also devastated agriculture, with tens of thousands of hectares of crops destroyed in Punjab, where 37 people have died since August began. To manage the rising water, authorities released pent-up dam water, which further exacerbated flooding in India and neighboring Pakistan.
The situation highlights the severe impact of the monsoon this year, affecting urban areas, rural communities, and essential infrastructure alike. Authorities continue to coordinate emergency responses to mitigate further loss of life and property.
