The weather office has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh as continuous showers, cloudbursts and landslides plague the region. Authorities expect the downpour to continue over the next few days. In response, all schools in several districts will remain closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors unless travel is essential.
The red alert covers numerous districts where rainfall has been unusually intense. In Himachal Pradesh, the alert extends to Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur and Bilaspur. Uttarakhand’s 12 districts are under similar warnings. In Punjab, after days of rain left more than 1,300 villages inundated, the government ordered schools to stay shut until further notice. Some areas remain on orange alert, indicating moderate risk.
Officials say the heavy rains have triggered landslides and flooding, cutting off roads and damaging houses. The central government has formed assessment teams to evaluate the impact of flooding in Jammu, Punjab, Himachal and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, local administrations are coordinating relief efforts, evacuating people from low-lying areas and providing temporary shelters.
Rainfall figures illustrate the severity of the situation. In August, Amritsar recorded 74 percent more rain than normal, while Himachal saw 72 percent above-average rainfall. Pathankot received 152 percent of its usual rainfall, and Jalandhar recorded 178 percent. On Saturday alone, some places saw over 140 millimetres of rainfall. These extraordinary amounts have saturated soil, increasing the risk of landslides and further flooding.
The meteorological department warns that more heavy rain is likely, so the public should heed weather advisories and avoid travel through hilly or flood-prone areas. Schools will stay closed until conditions improve. Rescue teams remain on standby, and state authorities are urging people to report damaged infrastructure and follow safety guidelines. As the situation evolves, officials plan to update residents on closures and other measures to minimise risks.
- Red alert issued for heavy rain in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- Schools closed and residents advised to stay indoors due to continuous downpours.
- Rainfall far above normal: Amritsar 74 % more, Himachal 72 % more, Pathankot 152 %, Jalandhar 178 %.
- Flooding and landslides have prompted damage assessments and relief efforts.
- Further heavy rain is expected; people should follow advisories and avoid travel in affected areas.
