At least five people were killed after a landslide struck a residential area in Mumbai's Ghatkopar early Wednesday morning, while rescue teams continued an intensive search for people feared trapped beneath the debris.

The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, according to information shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade. A portion of a hillside collapsed, sending debris onto two to three houses in the densely populated area.

Five People Killed

Officials said five people had died in the incident. Four to five others were initially feared trapped under the rubble as rescue teams began clearing the collapsed material.

The operation involves personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Specialised victim-detection cameras are being used to search the debris for signs of life, allowing rescuers to inspect areas that cannot be accessed immediately through conventional methods.

Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams have been working through the debris while authorities assess the stability of the affected hillside and surrounding structures.

Officials said the exact number of people trapped could not immediately be confirmed. DCP Ganesh Shinde said three to four people were suspected to remain trapped beneath the debris as the operation continued.

The bodies recovered from the site were sent to a hospital for further procedures. Police said further legal action and investigation would follow.

Two Injured in Hospital

Two people injured in the landslide were taken to hospital and were reported to be stable.

They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury.

Medical teams are continuing to monitor their condition.

Civic Officials Visit Site

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne visited the affected location in Ghatkopar to assess the situation and review the rescue operation.

Tawde also announced financial assistance of ₹3 lakh for the families of those who died in the landslide. The assistance will be provided through the District Collector's Office.

Authorities are coordinating the rescue effort while continuing to assess the condition of nearby houses and the surrounding hillside.

Investigation to Follow

The landslide has raised concerns over safety in the densely populated hillside settlement, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of slope failures.

Police and civic authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse and assess whether any structural or environmental factors contributed to the incident.

For now, the priority remains locating anyone who may still be trapped and completing the rescue operation safely.

New Delhi: Torrential monsoon rains continue to batter several parts of India, triggering floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam are among the worst-affected regions, where swollen rivers, collapsing buildings and disrupted transport have severely impacted daily life.

Floodwaters Reach Villages and Schools in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, relentless rainfall has caused major rivers, including the Ganga and Saryu, to swell beyond safe levels. In Farrukhabad district, floodwaters have entered 33 villages and submerged the premises of 40 government schools, disrupting educational activities and affecting thousands of residents.

In Ballia, continuous erosion by the Saryu River has destroyed 27 houses within a week, forcing several families to evacuate and seek shelter in safer locations. Local authorities have launched relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected residents.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the rising water level of the Ganga has inundated nearly 40 to 50 small temples located along the riverbanks. Several ghats remain partially submerged, prompting officials to advise pilgrims and tourists to stay away from the flooded areas.

Six Killed After Century-Old House Collapses

A tragic incident was reported from Pratapgarh, where a 100-year-old house collapsed following continuous rainfall. The building came crashing down on members of a single family, claiming the lives of six people.

Rescue teams worked for several hours to remove debris and recover the victims. District officials have initiated relief measures and announced assistance for the affected family.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, overnight rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and road blockages across the hill districts. As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12, including Anganwadi centres, in Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pauri Garhwal.

A major landslide near Tilwara in Rudraprayag brought mud, rocks and rainwater onto the Kedarnath Highway, trapping several vehicles under debris and disrupting traffic on the pilgrimage route. Emergency teams are working to clear the highway and restore connectivity.

Another landslide near Helang in Chamoli has blocked the Badrinath National Highway, leaving travellers stranded as road clearance operations continue.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall across several districts of Uttarakhand, prompting disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.

Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical

Flood conditions in Assam continue to be severe despite ongoing rescue and relief operations. Over the past 24 hours, six more people lost their lives, taking the death toll during this monsoon season to 95.

The Dhansiri River is flowing above the danger mark, leading authorities to issue a high alert in 14 districts. According to official estimates, more than 1.6 lakh people across 563 villages remain affected by floodwaters.

Relief camps have been set up to provide food, drinking water and temporary shelter to displaced families, while rescue teams continue evacuation efforts in severely flooded areas using boats and emergency equipment.

Authorities Continue Rescue and Relief Operations

State governments and disaster response agencies are monitoring the evolving situation closely. Restoration work is underway to reopen blocked highways, repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the supply of essential services in affected regions.

Officials have urged residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded riverbanks and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations and weather agencies.

Heavy rain continued to batter several parts of India on Thursday, triggering landslides, river erosion and disruptions to road and pilgrimage routes, while the weather department issued an orange alert for rain in 16 states, including Rajasthan. Uttarakhand was among the worst-affected states in the morning, with landslides reported from Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. A landslide near Gaurikund forced authorities to close the Kedarnath trekking route, and pilgrims were stopped from proceeding further as a precaution. In Rudraprayag, debris near Silli disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. In another incident, boulders rolled down a hillside near a petrol pump and crushed a car. Haridwar also witnessed a close call when a Kanwar pilgrim was swept away by the strong current of the Ganga while collecting holy water. An SDRF team deployed at the ghat responded quickly and rescued the man before he was carried further downstream.

The situation remained worrying in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where swollen rivers and erosion have started affecting villages. In Ballia, erosion along the Saryu river intensified as water entered residential areas. More than 100 families have reportedly left their homes and shifted to safer places. Two houses were swept into the river, while the land underneath several other homes has already been washed away, leaving residents worried about further damage. A similar situation was reported from Gonda, where the falling water level of the Ghaghra river has led to increased erosion along its banks. Several bighas of land and trees have been swallowed by the river. With the monsoon remaining active, people living close to riverbanks are facing an uncertain situation as changing water levels continue to weaken the surrounding land. Authorities are keeping watch on vulnerable areas, while residents in affected villages are moving belongings and family members away from locations considered unsafe.

Heavy rainfall has also caused disruption in Jammu and Kashmir. In Rajouri, a wall of a government primary school building collapsed following intense rain. No casualty was mentioned in the initial information. Meanwhile, a landslide near Akchamal blocked the Kargil-Leh National Highway, forcing authorities to stop vehicular movement on the route. The developments in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand come as widespread rainfall continues across several regions of the country. The orange alert covering 16 states indicates the possibility of spells of heavy to very heavy rain in vulnerable areas. For the moment, the biggest concern remains mountainous regions where saturated slopes can trigger sudden landslides and falling rocks, while riverbank areas in the plains are dealing with flooding and erosion. The closure of the Kedarnath route has also directly affected pilgrims, who will have to wait for conditions to improve and the track to be declared safe before their journey resumes. With rainfall continuing, travellers and residents in affected areas are being advised to remain cautious, particularly around landslide-prone roads, swollen rivers and fast-flowing streams.

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to batter large parts of northern and northeastern India, leaving at least 15 people dead in Uttar Pradesh over the past three days while triggering landslides, road closures and flooding across several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast comparatively weak monsoon activity over the next five days in 10 states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as the rain-bearing system shifts towards eastern and northeastern India.

According to the latest satellite observations, dense cloud cover has moved over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, resulting in widespread rainfall and weather-related disruptions.

Uttar Pradesh Reports Rain-Related Deaths

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed some of the worst impacts of the current spell of monsoon rain. Officials reported that 15 people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents during the last three days.

In Hapur, severe waterlogging submerged several underpasses, leaving vehicles stranded and disrupting traffic. In Bijnor, the Ganga River and its tributary, the Malan River, continued to flow above normal levels. A bridge collapse further disrupted movement on the Meerut-Bijnor Highway, Haridwar Road and adjoining routes.

Reports from the district also indicated that several people were caught in strong river currents as authorities continued rescue efforts.

Landslides Disrupt Connectivity

Continuous rainfall triggered multiple landslides in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, severely affecting transportation.

In Uttarakhand, 118 roads remained closed due to landslides and debris. Around 100 metres of the Yamunotri National Highway was washed away, cutting off connectivity to one of the state's important pilgrimage routes.

Himachal Pradesh reported an even larger disruption, with more than 320 roads blocked following landslides caused by persistent rainfall. Authorities have deployed restoration teams, though continuous rain has slowed repair work in several districts.

Tourists Stranded in Mizoram

The northeast has also been hit hard by the shifting monsoon system. In Mizoram's Lunglei district, rising river levels forced authorities to evacuate nearly 80 families to safer locations.

Landslides were reported at 29 different locations across the state. National Highway 54 near Bualte village remains blocked, leaving several tourists stranded for the past four days. Road-clearing operations are underway, but intermittent rainfall continues to hamper restoration efforts.

IMD Tracks Eastward Shift of Monsoon

The IMD said satellite imagery indicates that monsoon clouds have largely shifted eastwards, concentrating rainfall over the Himalayan belt and northeastern states.

As a result, several central and western states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, are likely to witness reduced rainfall activity over the coming five days. However, officials have advised residents in flood- and landslide-prone regions to remain alert, as isolated heavy showers are still possible.

Authorities Continue Relief Efforts

State administrations across the affected regions have intensified rescue, evacuation and restoration operations. Road clearance teams, disaster response personnel and local authorities are working to restore connectivity and provide relief to affected residents.

With rivers flowing at high levels and saturated soil increasing the risk of fresh landslides, officials have urged travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys in vulnerable areas and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations.

The ongoing monsoon season continues to pose challenges across multiple states, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and preparing for any further rainfall-related emergencies.

The southwest monsoon continued to batter large parts of northern India on Friday, triggering widespread flooding, landslides and rain-related deaths across several states, even as meteorologists linked the changing weather pattern to the influence of Super Typhoon Bavi over the western Pacific.

Heavy rainfall affected Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, disrupting transport, damaging infrastructure and prompting rescue operations. At least 13 people lost their lives in rain and lightning-related incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while authorities remained on high alert in several flood-prone districts.

According to weather reports, the formation of Super Typhoon Bavi has temporarily weakened the southwest monsoon current over parts of the Indian subcontinent. Despite this, localized heavy rainfall has continued due to active low-pressure systems and moisture-laden winds, resulting in intense downpours across northern and central India.

Delhi Witnesses Waterlogging

The national capital recorded persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, leading to severe waterlogging in several areas. Tukhmirpur received nearly 160 mm of rainfall, making it one of the wettest locations in the city.

Major roads, including Vikas Marg, Sangam Vihar, Dwarka, Munirka and areas near New Delhi Railway Station, remained inundated for several hours, slowing traffic movement. Flooding was also reported around Ghazipur Mandi, while a tree uprooted during the storm fell onto a parked vehicle.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Routes Hit

In Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall caused significant damage to road connectivity in the hill districts.

Nearly 100 metres of the Yamunotri Highway in Uttarkashi was washed away, leaving around 1,000 pilgrims stranded. Authorities have deployed teams to restore connectivity while ensuring the safety of stranded devotees.

The Adi Kailash route in Pithoragarh was closed after repeated rockfalls, and landslides blocked sections of the Gangotri National Highway. Rescue teams cleared debris from affected stretches to restore traffic.

In Haridwar, several low-lying areas remained submerged under three to four feet of water. A tourist's SUV became trapped in the Neeldhara River and was pulled out after a two-hour rescue operation using heavy machinery. In nearby Rishikesh, local residents rescued a scooter rider who was swept away while attempting to cross a swollen river.

Rain Claims Lives in UP and Bihar

Rain-related incidents claimed 10 lives in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

In Bulandshahr, two members of the same family died after an old mosque wall collapsed during heavy rainfall. In Hardoi, two sisters were swept away by a swollen river, while several other fatalities were reported from separate incidents linked to collapsing structures, drowning and electrocution.

In neighbouring Bihar, one person died after being struck by lightning in Gopalganj.

State disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts, while district administrations have advised residents to avoid waterlogged areas and overflowing rivers.

Rajasthan and Himachal Also Affected

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Rajasthan, where a house collapsed in Dholpur, trapping six people beneath the debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately.

The adverse weather affected railway services as well, with six trains cancelled and several others running behind schedule.

In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, incessant rain caused a retaining wall to collapse, blocking roads and leaving several vehicles stranded. Local authorities said timely action prevented a major accident, while electricity officials assessed damage to power infrastructure.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall may continue in several northern states over the coming days, urging people living near rivers, landslide-prone areas and low-lying regions to remain cautious.

Disaster management agencies have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to follow local administration advisories as rescue and restoration work continues across affected regions.

Speaking during a discussion on the development of Mumbai and its satellite cities, the Chief Minister accused Opposition leaders of spreading misinformation after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide on the recently inaugurated ₹7,000-crore infrastructure project. The incident had disrupted traffic for nearly 18 hours, prompting allegations that the project suffered from structural flaws and financial irregularities.

CM Rejects Corruption Allegations

Fadnavis dismissed claims that the landslide reflected poor construction quality, stating that the main structure of the expressway remained completely safe.

According to him, continuous heavy rainfall caused debris from a nearby hill to fall onto an outer arch of the structure, which was damaged by the impact. He clarified that the tunnel itself suffered no cracks and that all integrated safety systems functioned as designed.

The Chief Minister said emergency response teams acted immediately after the incident. Heavy cranes reached the site within minutes, and authorities cleared the debris and restored traffic within 18 hours.

‘Project Will Stand for Decades’

Responding to criticism on social media, Fadnavis said he had become "abuse-proof" after years in public life.

He remarked that while political opponents were free to criticise him personally, they should refrain from defaming Maharashtra. He expressed confidence that the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link would continue serving the public for decades and remain a landmark infrastructure project.

The Chief Minister also alleged that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had shelved the project by citing multiple reasons why it could not be executed, adding that the present government took the political and administrative decisions necessary to complete it.

Engineering Achievement Highlighted

Fadnavis described the Missing Link as one of India's most ambitious road infrastructure projects.

He noted that the route includes India's tallest cable-stayed bridge and some of the world's widest twin tunnels, designed to bypass the accident-prone old Mumbai-Pune ghat section and significantly reduce travel time.

He argued that engineering challenges are common in large infrastructure projects and should not be viewed as evidence of failure.

Konkan Railway Example

Drawing a comparison with the Konkan Railway, the Chief Minister recalled that the railway line also experienced frequent landslides during its early years.

He said those challenges were gradually overcome through improved engineering solutions, adding that fear of natural hazards should never prevent the execution of transformative infrastructure projects.

Monsoon Relief Measures Reviewed

Fadnavis also briefed the Assembly on the state's response to heavy monsoon rains affecting several districts.

He said areas including Vasai-Virar received exceptionally high rainfall, leading to disruptions in electricity supply and communication networks. Disaster management teams have been deployed to restore essential services, while emergency financial assistance and free food distribution have been arranged for affected residents in the Konkan region.

₹1,032 Crore Savings Claimed

The Chief Minister further announced that shifting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) procurement system to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal helped cancel inflated tenders worth approximately ₹1,032 crore, resulting in substantial savings for the public exchequer.

Concluding his address, Fadnavis quoted a famous Urdu couplet about courage and perseverance, saying that true leadership requires taking bold decisions despite criticism and challenges.

India's active southwest monsoon continued to unleash widespread disruption on Tuesday, triggering landslides, flash floods and severe waterlogging across several states. Kerala, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were among the worst-affected regions as heavy rainfall impacted transport, education and daily life.

In Kerala, six workers were injured after a landslide struck the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel project site in Wayanad district. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, while rescue and relief teams remained deployed at the location. Authorities continued to monitor the area amid concerns over further rainfall.

Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran described the incident as a "man-made landslide", suggesting that excavation activities at the tunnel construction site may have contributed to the collapse. Officials have begun assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mumbai Receives Nearly 380 mm Rain

Maharashtra witnessed one of its heaviest spells of monsoon rainfall this season, with Mumbai recording nearly 380 mm (15 inches) of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for the city, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall.

As a precautionary measure, authorities declared a holiday for all government and private schools and colleges in Mumbai on Tuesday. Similar closures were announced in Nashik, where persistent rainfall disrupted normal life.

The downpour caused extensive waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai, including Vasai-Virar and Nalasopara, affecting roads, residential societies and commercial establishments. Rising water levels were also reported in the Godavari River in Nashik, while the Bhima River crossed the danger mark near Daund.

The Thane district administration prohibited tourists from visiting waterfalls, forts, rivers, dams and lakes until further orders due to the risk of landslides and flash floods.

Cloudburst Triggers Flooding in Jammu & Kashmir

A cloudburst in the upper reaches of Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir sent mud, rocks and debris rushing into residential areas, disrupting road connectivity and damaging vehicles.

Visuals from Thathri town showed floodwaters carrying large quantities of debris through streets, leaving several vehicles stranded. Local authorities have launched damage assessment operations while monitoring vulnerable areas for further rainfall.

Nearby Kishtwar district also witnessed flooding and mudslides, affecting transportation and normal movement.

Heavy Rain Continues Across States

The active monsoon system continued to bring widespread rainfall across western, central and northern India.

In Gujarat, multiple weather systems remained active simultaneously, resulting in heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across South Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra. Several agricultural fields in Junagadh district were submerged after continuous rain.

Rajasthan also remained under the influence of an active monsoon system, prompting the IMD to issue an Orange Alert for seven districts and Yellow Alerts across most remaining parts of the state.

Madhya Pradesh continued to receive widespread rainfall for the sixth consecutive day. According to weather officials, the state's average rainfall has now reached nearly seven inches, reducing the seasonal rainfall deficit to just one per cent after a delayed start to the monsoon.

In Uttar Pradesh, heavy showers were reported in Chandauli, while Lucknow, Varanasi and several eastern districts experienced intermittent rainfall under cloudy skies.

Weather Alerts Remain in Force

The IMD has warned that active monsoon conditions are likely to persist over several parts of the country over the next two days.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for parts of Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim. Authorities across multiple states have advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, remain cautious near rivers and landslide-prone zones, and follow official weather advisories.

With rivers rising, transport disrupted and rescue teams on alert in multiple regions, officials continue to closely monitor the evolving weather situation as the monsoon maintains its intense pace across India.

 Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across several parts of India on Monday, claiming lives, triggering landslides, disrupting transport networks and prompting authorities to issue weather alerts in multiple states. Maharashtra remained the worst-affected, with at least 13 people reported dead over the past three to four days due to rain-related incidents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and surrounding regions under a Red Alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of up to 80–90 kmph. Authorities have advised residents to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary, while private offices have been asked to implement work-from-home arrangements.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for the day because of the severe weather conditions. Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the decision was taken in view of the widespread disruption caused by heavy rainfall across Mumbai and other parts of the state.

Mumbai, Pune Hit by Landslides and Flooding

Continuous rainfall over the past three days triggered two landslides in the Bhor Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala on the Mumbai–Pune railway route, disrupting operations on all three railway lines and leading to the cancellation of around 20 trains.

Heavy rain also caused a landslide and waterlogging along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, temporarily affecting traffic before the route was later reopened after clearance operations.

In Pune district, a landslide in Patan village of Maval tehsil buried several houses. Officials confirmed that one person was killed, while 23 people were rescued. Search and rescue teams continued operations to locate two individuals reported missing beneath the debris.

In another incident in Pune, the boundary wall of a residential society collapsed onto a parking shed, damaging around 14 vehicles.

Mumbai Airport Operations Affected

Persistent rainfall also disrupted air travel. According to airport officials, 17 flights were cancelled and 217 flights delayed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Monday afternoon, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for schools and colleges and deployed nearly 15,000 officials and emergency personnel to manage rain-related emergencies.

Landslide in Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy rainfall also triggered a landslide in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, where debris buried six to seven vehicles on the Kishtwar–Doda Highway (NH-244). Road clearance operations are underway, while authorities continue to assess the damage.

Flood Situation Worsens Elsewhere

In Gujarat, continuous rainfall caused the Khodiyar Dam in Amreli district to overflow, forcing officials to open two gates and issue a high alert for more than 35 low-lying villages.

Floodwaters also disrupted connectivity in several villages of Una, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations across affected areas.

In Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district, rising water levels submerged a bridge over the Turad River, while heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging in parts of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.

IMD Issues Multi-State Rain Alerts

The IMD has warned that the active monsoon system will continue to bring widespread rainfall over the next two days.

A depression currently centred over south Jharkhand and adjoining north Odisha is expected to move northwestward, bringing heavy rainfall to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Red alerts remain in place for several districts of Odisha and West Bengal, while heavy rain warnings have also been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Karnataka.

Authorities across affected states have urged residents to remain alert, avoid waterlogged and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories as emergency teams continue rescue, relief and restoration efforts.

Sikkim landslide traps 1,500 tourists; 15 dead in UP lightning strikes

Massive landslides hit Mangan district as heavy rains lash North India; IMD issues thunderstorm alerts for 16 states.

Mangan/Lucknow/Bhopal: In a significant weather-related escalation, nearly 1,500 tourists have been stranded in North Sikkim’s Mangan district following massive landslides triggered by a cloudburst-like situation. Simultaneously, a deadly spell of lightning and thunderstorms across Uttar Pradesh has claimed 15 lives over the last 72 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-priority alert for 16 states, citing an active Western Disturbance that is sweeping across the northern and northeastern belts. The situation remains critical in high-altitude zones where road connectivity has been completely severed.

Tourists stranded in Mangan

Heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered multiple landslides along the Lachen-Chungthang road, effectively cutting off the region. According to officials, around 1,500 tourists are currently stuck at various points in North Sikkim.

The Mangan district administration has initiated emergency rescue protocols. Stranded visitors are being accommodated in local hotels and government facilities. Sources indicated that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to clear the debris, though intermittent rain continues to hamper progress.

Fatal lightning in UP

The plains of Uttar Pradesh are reeling under a violent spell of pre-monsoon activity. Reports confirm 15 fatalities across the state within three days due to lightning strikes and storm-related accidents.

Districts including Gonda, Sultanpur, Kanpur, and Varanasi witnessed high-velocity winds reaching 50 kmph. In Kanpur and Mathura, hailstorms caused significant damage to standing crops, adding to the distress of the local farming community.

Snowfall hits hill states

While the plains battle rain, the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing unseasonal snowfall. Yamunotri Dham and higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti recorded significant accumulation on Sunday.

Gondla reported 28.5 cm of fresh snow, while Keylong recorded 20 cm. The sudden drop in temperature and accompanying hailstorms have sparked concerns regarding apple orchards in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi.

Rescue operations intensified

Sikkim authorities have mobilized the Indian Army and NDRF teams to assist the civil administration in Mangan. "Our primary focus is the safety of the tourists and restoration of the North Sikkim Highway," a senior official stated.

In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. Local administrations have been put on high alert to handle potential flooding in low-lying areas.

Severe weather alerts

The IMD has extended its thunderstorm warning to 16 states, including Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana. A new weather system is expected to become active in Rajasthan today, potentially bringing heavy showers to 13 districts.

Meteorologists suggest that the interaction between the Western Disturbance and easterly winds is creating volatile atmospheric conditions. This has led to the current "Public Interest Story" regarding safety precautions during lightning.

Impact on agriculture

The agriculture sector faces a grim outlook as hailstorms continue to lash North India. Wheat and mustard crops in Rajasthan and Haryana, and fruit plantations in Himachal, are reportedly the worst hit.

Economists suggest that these recurring weather disruptions could impact local market supplies and pricing in the coming weeks. Farmers have been advised to use hail nets where possible to protect vulnerable produce.

Future weather outlook

The "Latest News Today" from the weather office suggests that the current spell will persist for at least another 48 hours. Rainfall is expected to move toward the eastern states by Tuesday.

Tourists planning visits to hilly regions are advised to defer their travel until the "India News Update" confirms the stabilization of road conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the Teesta river levels as "Government Updates" remain frequent.