Monsoon is wreaking havoc in several states, as heavy rains have led to cloudbursts, floods and red alerts sweeping across India ahead of Independence Day.
Himachal Pradesh weather: Army launches rescue ops amid cloudbursts, landslides
Fresh cloudbursts in Kinnaur district over the past two days have destroyed bridges, blocked roads, and stranded residents. On Wednesday evening, a cloudburst in the Rishi Dogri valley flooded the bridge over the Sutlej river, halting construction work in the area. The Army, acting on an urgent request from the district police, launched a nighttime rescue in treacherous terrain. Four civilians, including one injured person, were safely evacuated with the help of high-altitude logistics drones delivering food and water. Over 300 roads, including two national highways, remain closed across the state.
Uttar Pradesh weather: Schools shut in rain-hit Lucknow
In Lucknow, relentless downpours have forced the closure of all schools from Classes 1 to 12. District Magistrate Visakh G Iyer said the measure was necessary amid warnings of further heavy rain. The city’s closure comes as part of a broader monsoon spell affecting large parts of the country. Delhi-NCR saw pre-Independence Day showers on Thursday morning, with weather models predicting intensifying rain through 15–17 August, raising concerns over holiday travel.
Hyderabad weather: IMD issues high alert in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Telangana. Life came to a standstill in the capital, Hyderabad, amid severe waterlogging and traffic chaos. Heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast for the next three days. In Andhra Pradesh, the southern coastal belt is facing “extremely heavy” rainfall, while North Coastal Andhra, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are also under watch. Low pressure over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring intense showers to Odisha’s Koraput and Malkangiri districts, both under ‘Orange’ alert.
Other states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, are also facing heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, IMD has urged citizens to plan their travel carefully after monitoring the bulletins, as Independence Day and the long weekend likely to be marked by delays, waterlogging, and flight disruptions.
(With inputs from agencies)
