Heavy Rain Alert Across North and Western India, Flooding Disrupts Daily Life

Monsoon activity has intensified across India, bringing widespread rainfall to several northern and western states. While the showers have provided relief from the heat in many regions, heavy rain has also disrupted normal life and triggered weather-related incidents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall alerts for multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, urging residents to remain cautious.

In Uttar Pradesh, monsoon activity has temporarily weakened. More than 50 districts, including Lucknow, are expected to witness light rainfall and humid conditions over the next three days. However, the monsoon is likely to regain strength from July 6, with widespread rainfall forecast for July 7 and 8. Kanpur recorded the state's highest rainfall of 99.8 mm on Friday, leading to severe waterlogging and incidents of road subsidence.

Rajasthan has witnessed an active spell of monsoon after nearly a week's delay. Heavy rainfall was recorded in 22 districts, including Bhilwara, Banswara and Chittorgarh. Rainwater entered the trauma centre and operation theatre of Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital, forcing authorities to shift patients. A lightning strike also claimed the life of a young man in Dungarpur.

Mumbai continues to receive intense rainfall. More than 70 mm of rain was recorded within five hours, prompting the IMD to issue a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for the next 24 hours. Wind speeds of up to 60 kmph are also expected.

In Himachal Pradesh, continuous rainfall has led to multiple weather-related accidents, with three fatalities reported.

The central government has said it is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed concerns over uneven rainfall linked to the El Niño effect and directed concerned ministries to remain on alert for any possible drought or flood-related challenges.

The weather department has also forecast rainfall in Delhi-NCR and advised residents to stay updated with official weather advisories.