NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): At least 13 people were killed on Sunday in rain-related incidents as the southwest monsoon triggered landslides and flash floods across northern and eastern India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast active monsoon conditions in north, east and northeast India for the next 6-7 days, while rainfall activity is expected to remain subdued over west-central and south Peninsular India.
Jammu and Kashmir was the worst affected, with 11 deaths reported after torrential rains caused landslides and flash floods in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Surankote tehsil in Poonch witnessed the worst devastation, with rescue teams searching for missing persons amid damaged roads and continued rainfall. The Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
In Uttarakhand, two people died after lightning strikes in Haridwar as heavy rains affected the state. The administration issued red and orange alerts for 10 districts, while landslides blocked 84 roads, including two national highways.
The IMD warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand and predicted heavy showers in northern West Bengal, with possible landslides in hilly areas and flash floods in low-lying regions.
