NATIONAL: Monsoon Fury: North India Reels Under Deadly Floods, Landslides
Torrential rains battered northern India on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, triggering devastating floods and landslides across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Mumbai.
Swollen rivers and cloudbursts have claimed lives, submerged communities, and severed vital connectivity, leaving thousands stranded.
Uttarakhand’s Capital Bears the Brunt
In Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital, relentless downpours led to 15 deaths as floodwaters engulfed low-lying areas.
Over 900 people remain stranded, with rescue teams working tirelessly to relocate nearly 400 to safety, though washed-out roads hamper efforts.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the crisis, noting severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have pledged full support to the state.
Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Landslides
In Himachal Pradesh, a tragic landslide in the Mandi district claimed three family members, underscoring the region’s vulnerability.
The state reported widespread road blockages and flooding, with the Sauli Khad river submerging a bus depot in Dharampur.
Authorities have suspended adventure sports in Kullu until September 30, citing risks of flash floods. Rescue operations continue amid fears of further landslides as rains persist.
Tragedy Strikes Workers in Premnagar
A sudden flood in Premnagar, Himachal Pradesh, turned deadly when eight workers, attempting to cross a river on a tractor during mining operations, went missing after the vehicle overturned.
The incident highlights the dangers of unregulated activities during extreme weather.
Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Face Submersion
In Jammu and Kashmir, swollen rivers like the Tawi and Chenab have inundated low-lying areas, stranding thousands.
Punjab, grappling with its worst flooding in decades, saw 1,400 villages affected, with crops and livelihoods decimated across 23 districts.
Rescue efforts by the NDRF and SDRF are underway, but blocked highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar route, complicate relief operations. Schools and colleges remain closed as a precaution.
Mumbai Hit by Urban Flooding
Mumbai, Maharashtra’s bustling capital, reported three deaths due to severe waterlogging.
Persistent rains submerged subways and roads, disrupting daily life and leaving commuters stranded.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall for September, raising fears of more flash floods and landslides across the region.
Central and State Response
Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have closely monitored the crisis, assuring affected states of central assistance.
Inter-Ministerial Central Teams are set to assess damages, with Rs 10,498.80 crore already released to states for relief efforts.
The scale of destruction has sparked concerns about climate-driven monsoon unpredictability, urging better preparedness for future disasters.
For now, rescue teams remain on high alert, racing against time to save lives.