Weather Chaos in India: Floods Ravage Punjab and North India, While Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Assam Reel Under Drought

India is currently witnessing the extremes of nature — while several regions are facing unprecedented rainfall and devastating floods, others are battling drought-like conditions that have destroyed crops and livelihoods. From Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, and further down south in Tamil Nadu and the Northeast, the imbalance of rainfall has caused widespread disruption, loss of life, and economic hardship.

Torrential Rains Trigger Havoc Across North India

For over a week, heavy rains have lashed large parts of the country, with North India facing the maximum impact. The downpour has caused landslides in hilly states, submerged rural and urban areas, and snapped road and rail connectivity. Sadly, several lives have been lost due to the destruction triggered by this erratic weather.

In Uttarakhand, natural disasters including landslides and cloudbursts have killed at least 79 people, while 95 others are missing. Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote areas, further complicating relief efforts.

Punjab Submerged: Over 1,600 Villages Affected

Among the worst-hit states is Punjab, which has seen rainfall surpass even the floods of 1988. So far, 37 people have died, and nearly 1,655 villages remain inundated. Over 3.5 lakh residents have been displaced, many forced into relief camps. Crops, livestock, and property have been swept away, leaving people devastated. According to locals, even farm animals and standing harvests have been lost, worsening the agrarian crisis in the state.

Flood Situation in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh

The Yamuna river in Delhi has crossed the danger mark, leading to severe flooding in several parts of the capital. The overflowing river forced authorities to evacuate thousands, while operations at the city’s main crematorium were temporarily suspended due to waterlogging.

In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Prayagraj witnessed severe waterlogging as multiple rivers swelled beyond safe levels. The rising waters have disrupted normal life, with flood relief camps set up to house displaced families.

Himachal Pradesh Records More Deaths

In Himachal Pradesh, landslides and incessant rainfall continue to claim lives. Over the past week, 11 people have died due to falling rocks and flooding on roads. The administration has advised tourists and locals alike to avoid travel to hilly areas, although many remain stranded.

Traffic Disruption in Haryana and Rajasthan

In Haryana and Rajasthan, roads and highways were submerged, causing massive traffic jams that lasted for hours. At least six people died in rain-related incidents, including roof collapses. Torrential rain also disrupted the Delhi-Mumbai railway line and blocked major highways, leaving thousands of commuters stuck.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pilgrimage Turned Tragic

In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rainfall and landslides turned the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra into tragedy. At least 34 pilgrims lost their lives when landslides struck the region. Sudden flash floods also destroyed homes, shops, and vehicles, leaving several villages cut off.

Where It’s Flooding, and Where It’s Dry

The rainfall imbalance has created two extremes across India.

• Excess Rainfall (50% above normal): Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan are witnessing heavy floods and landslides.

• Moderate Excess Rainfall (20–40% above normal): Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

• Slightly Above Normal (around 19% more): Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur.

• Deficient Rainfall (Drought Conditions): Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya are experiencing significantly less rainfall than usual, leading to crop failures and water scarcity.

While parts of India drown in excess rainfall, others are desperately waiting for rain to save their farmlands and secure drinking water supplies.

Final Word

The climate imbalance across India is a reminder of the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. With floods wreaking havoc in Punjab, Himachal, and Delhi, and drought tightening its grip on Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Assam, and the Northeast, millions of people are caught in nature’s fury. The coming weeks will be crucial, as authorities ramp up relief measures and the Meteorological Department continues to issue alerts for heavy rainfall in multiple states.