2023 North India floods
Satellite image of North India on 10 July, showing various systems causing flooding
CauseHeavy rain
Discharges
Landslide
Meteorological history
Duration1 April 2023 – present
Flood
Maximum rainfall30 cm (11.81 in)
Overall effects
Fatalities422
Injuries≥100
Missing38
Areas affectedNorth India
2023 North India floods on 10 July.jpg

Heavy rainfall during the 2023 monsoon season resulted in severe flooding and landslides across Northern India, primarily affecting residents in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.[1][2][3]

A monsoon surge, coupled with a western disturbance has led to the highest rainfall in decades in some parts of the region, causing nearby rivers to overflow, with flooding and landslides washing away vehicles, destroying bridges and roads, and disrupting power and electricity.[2]

In July, at least 105 individuals across Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, were killed over a two-week period of intense rain and flooding, with thousands of others evacuated to relief camps.[4] The floods have led to closure of schools, disruption of flights and train operations in various parts of North India.[1][5][6]

Another period of intense torrential rain continued in August, and at least 71 more people were killed in Himachal Pradesh, while 10 others died in Uttarakhand.[7]

Background

The South Asian monsoon season, which spans from June to September, typically brings about 80% of annual rainfall to the region.[8]

In recent years, India has witnessed intensified weather patterns, with the monsoon season becoming more erratic and less dependable over time.[9] The current period of heavy rainfall is occurring closely on the heels of an intense heatwave that also affected much of northern India. While various factors contribute to flooding, experts point to climate change as a significant driver of increased occurrences of heavy rainfall.[3]

Affected areas

The states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan experienced extensive waterlogging due to heavy rainfall.[3]

Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh was the hardest hit, with at least 330 dead, 38 missing and more than 100 injured during flooding since 1 April.[10][7] More than 1,000 roads were blocked in the state as a result of downed power lines and other damaged infrastructure.[11][12] Approximately 70,000 tourists were evacuated from the state, as reported by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.[13] Rescue operations were led by teams from the Indian army and the National Disaster Response Force. Several districts experienced an entire month's worth of rainfall within a single day. In Manali, roads were swept away by the deluge, leaving both tourists and their vehicles stranded.[14]

Over the weekend of August 12-13, 2023, additional torrential rains hit Shimla, triggering landslides and destroying a temple, homes, and buildings, and killing at least 57 people. The intensity of the rains has been attributed to climate change.[15] The landslides washed out several roads, including the Himalayan Expressway,[16] and sections of the Kalka–Shimla Railway.[17] The additional floods and landslides killed a total of 71 people.[7] A massive landslide destroyed roads and buildings in the city of Shimla.[18]

Cumulatively, since the monsoon hit on June 24, 170 incidents of cloudburst or landsliding have been reported and 9,600 houses have been damaged in Himachal Pradesh.[7] Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that the losses from the combined floods of 2023 have been as high as 10,000 crore rupees, and the damaged infrastructure would take a year to repair.[19][20]

Punjab

On 9 July 2023, a high alert was issued in different districts of Punjab due to incessant rains.[21] There were a surfeit of waterlogged roads and many cars were submerged in water.[22][23] The situation worsened in Patiala and Dera Bassi as fields were inundated.[21] Many roads caved in, disrupting the traffic. The rains did not show any signs of abating as it had been profusely raining for the past three days. On 10 July 2023, an order was passed to close all schools, which reopened on 17 July.[24][25][26]

Delhi

The capital city of Delhi saw over 153 millimetres (6.0 in) rain on 9 July 2023, marking the highest precipitation in a single day in July in over 40 years.[27][28] Authorities took measures to relocate numerous individuals residing near Yamuna riverbanks to safer areas. In addition, residents in other susceptible regions were advised to make necessary arrangements for potential evacuations. The traffic flow across a critical bridge spanning the river was disrupted, and schools were closed.[3] Flooding in the capital lead to at least one death.[4]

The Yamuna river breached its all-time high-water mark, which had stood for over 45 years.[29] The situation impacted prominent areas, including the street outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence and a major road towards Connaught Place, a renowned business center. Chief Minister Kejriwal urged the federal government to regulate the water release from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, which contributed to the swelling of the Yamuna river.[12] Flooding of the Yamuna river also resulted in water surrounding the Red Fort.[30][8]

Sixteen thousand individuals were provided shelter in relief tents arranged by the Delhi government. The state's governor convened with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority to discuss the flood situation. Kejriwal mentioned that an advisory would be issued for private offices to encourage remote work. Due to the flood-like situation, three water treatment plants in Delhi were temporarily shut down. As a result, water was rationed. Furthermore, heavy vehicles, with the exception of those engaged in essential services, were prohibited from entering Delhi.[31]

Kashmir

Due to damage to a national highway, the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage was suspended. As a result, thousands of pilgrims were stranded in nearby areas.[3] At least four people were killed in the state.[4]

Haryana

For the first time in history, Haryana was put under a flood warning.[32] Farmers are preparing to lose up to 30% of their rice yield.[32]

Rajasthan

Over 2,800 people were evacuated in anticipation of floods.[33]

Uttarakhand

Heavy rainfall in mid-August caused flooding which killed ten people in Uttarakhand, including a boy and his parents.[7] A total of 75 people were killed throughout the state between April and August.[10]

Uttar Pradesh

At least 12 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh during flooding in July.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "India floods: monsoon rains leave 22 dead in north as Delhi sees wettest July day in decades". The Guardian. 10 July 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Why North India is facing unusually heavy rains, explained". Hindustan Times. 9 July 2023. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Flood warning in Delhi as rains batter north India". BBC News. 11 July 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Record monsoon rains kill more than 100 people in northern India". The Los Angeles Times. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  5. ↑ "As heavy rain pounds Delhi, 20 flights cancelled, 120 delayed at airport: Report". Hindustan Times. 11 July 2023. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  6. ↑ "Northern Railways cancels 17 trains, diverts 12 as heavy rain lash North India – Details here". Financial Express. 10 July 2023. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "81 dead in rain fury in Himachal, Uttarakhand, flash floods in Punjab, rescue efforts on". India Today. 17 August 2023.
  8. 1 2 Yasir, Sameer; Kumar, Hari (13 July 2023). "Evacuations Ordered in Delhi: Monsoon Flooding in Pictures". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  9. ↑ Fountain, Henry; Levitt, Zach; White, Jeremy (5 October 2022). "The Monsoon Is Becoming More Extreme". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  10. 1 2 "2038 dead due to floods, landslides, lightning since April 1". The Economic Times. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  11. ↑ "Monsoon rain grapples Himachal Pradesh as flash floods, landslide claim 91 lives". mint. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  12. 1 2 "Monsoon LIVE News: HP worst-hit as rains continue; PM take stock of situation". mint. 9 July 2023. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  13. ↑ "Himachal Pradesh suffered losses of about ₹8,000 crore due to rain: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu". The Hindu. 15 July 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  14. ↑ "Large chunks of highway destroyed in India floods". BBC News. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  15. ↑ "Death toll after landslides in Indian Himalayas rises to 57; 10 still missing". Reuters. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  16. ↑ "Kalka-Shimla road: many questions on highway construction". The Indian Express. 17 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  17. ↑ "Heritage track of 114-year-old Kalka-Shimla railway line suspended in air after landslide". The Times of India. 15 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  18. ↑ "India: At least 72 people killed in flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Himalayan region". Sky News. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  19. ↑ English, Times of India- (16 August 2023). "Himachal Pradesh rain fury: Losses due to floods and landslides touch Rs 10,000 crore, more bodies recovered". Longview News-Journal. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  20. ↑ Roushan, Anurag (16 August 2023). "Himachal will take a year to rebuild infrastructure wrecked by heavy rains: CM Sukhu". India TV. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  21. 1 2 Khanna, Ruchika M. (9 July 2023). "Rain fury: Ghaggar, Sutlej rivers in spate in Punjab; flood threat looms over Dera Bassi, Patiala, Sangrur, Ropar". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  22. ↑ Vasudeva, Ravinder (11 July 2023). "Nearly 150 rural roads, 10 bridges damaged in floods across Punjab, says PWD". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  23. ↑ Vasdev, Kanchan (13 July 2023). "What's behind the flooding in Punjab and what are the possible solutions?". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  24. ↑ "Punjab extends schools closure till July 16, to reopen on July 17". www.msn.com. The Indian Express. 13 July 2023. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  25. ↑ Sharma, Sanjay (13 July 2023). "Punjab extends school closure till July 16 due to heavy rains". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  26. ↑ "Punjab Schools Resuming Classes Today Following A Week Long Rain-Induced Closure". News18. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  27. ↑ Yasir, Sameer; Kumar, Hari (10 July 2023). "Deadly Monsoon Flooding and Landslides Lash India". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  28. ↑ Subramaniam, Tara; Suri, Manveena (10 July 2023). "New Delhi records wettest July day in decades as deadly floods hit northern India". CNN. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  29. ↑ @PTI_News (13 July 2023). "VIDEO | Water from overflowing Yamuna river reaches ITO, a key route to commute from East Delhi to Central Delhi and Connaught Place. The Yamuna in Delhi swelled to a staggering 208.08 metres on Wednesday, smashing the previous all-time record of 207.49 metres set 45 years ago by a significant margin" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 July 2023 – via Twitter.
  30. ↑ Mehrotra, Karishma (14 July 2023). "At least 100 dead in northern India after extreme monsoon flooding". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  31. ↑ "Delhi floods: Key roads under water as Yamuna river swells". BBC News. 13 July 2023. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  32. 1 2 "Haryana gets first-ever flood alert, farmers fear loss of 30% rice yield". CNBC TV 18. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  33. ↑ "Rajasthan: Over 2,800 people evacuated as Hanumangarh braces for flood". The Times of India. 22 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
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