IMD Issues Red Alerts in J&K, Himachal, and Punjab as Heavy Rains Continue

New Delhi, September 3, 2025 — The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm across multiple northern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, after incessant rainfall continued to wreak havoc. The agency has issued red alerts for several districts, warning of flash floods, landslides, and river overflows as weather conditions remain extreme.

According to IMD officials, the warning comes as monsoon currents intensified in the Himalayan belt, leading to dangerously high river levels. The Jhelum, Beas, and Ravi rivers have already swollen to near capacity, forcing the administration to prepare for possible evacuations in low-lying areas. (Source: Hindustan Times)

J&K on High Alert

In Jammu & Kashmir, the rainfall has been unrelenting. Districts like Reasi, Ramban, Poonch, and Doda have been identified as high-risk areas. Several highways, including the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway, have experienced multiple blockages due to shooting stones and mudslides. Officials confirmed that hundreds of vehicles remain stranded along the highway despite ongoing clearance efforts by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

The Amarnath Yatra and other local pilgrimages have been suspended for safety reasons. A local official in Katra noted: “Given the volume of rainfall, we are not taking any risks with yatris. Landslides are happening frequently, and waterlogging near the base camp has worsened.”

Himachal Pradesh: Schools Closed

Himachal Pradesh, still reeling from last year’s cloudburst disasters, has closed schools across several districts, including Shimla, Chamba, and Kullu. Local disaster management authorities warned that even minor cloudbursts could unleash devastating landslides, especially since the soil is already waterlogged.

Reports indicate that 20 roads were blocked within 24 hours across Himachal, isolating small mountain towns. Power supply disruptions have also been reported in Kinnaur and parts of Kangra.

Punjab: Overflowing Rivers

Punishing rains have pushed Punjab’s rivers beyond safe levels. In Ropar and Hoshiarpur, residents were evacuated as the Sutlej River breached its embankments in some stretches. Agriculture, the backbone of the region, has taken a beating—farmers report that paddy crops have been submerged in several areas, threatening an already difficult harvest season.

The Punjab State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed with boats in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, Gurudwaras and community halls have opened their doors to house evacuees, continuing Punjab’s tradition of langar and community aid during crises.

Expert Opinions

Climate experts are linking the intensity of the rainfall to changing monsoon patterns fueled by climate change. Dr. Meera Gupta, a climate scientist at IIT Delhi, explained: “The Himalayan belt is witnessing erratic weather. What used to be localized cloudbursts are now widespread heavy rainfall events lasting days. Infrastructure and preparedness have not kept pace.”

Preparedness Measures

Authorities in all three states have ordered:

24x7 control rooms to handle emergencies
Deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams in flood-prone districts
Closure of schools and colleges in high-alert areas
Helpline numbers circulated via social media and local radio

Despite these steps, on-ground reports show that rescue operations are struggling with inaccessible roads and persistent rain. Helicopters have been kept on standby for airlifting stranded citizens.

Voices from the Ground

A teacher from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, described her experience: “It rained all night, and in the morning, we saw boulders blocking our main road. Children cannot go to school, and supplies are running out.”

Similarly, in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, a farmer lamented the destruction of his crops: “We worked the whole year, and now everything is underwater. Compensation comes late, but our livelihoods are gone overnight.”

Nation Watches Closely

As visuals of overflowing rivers, collapsing hillsides, and rescue boats dominate social media, the rest of India is watching the northern states battle yet another climate catastrophe. Political leaders, including the Prime Minister, have assured that relief funds and forces will be mobilized swiftly.

However, locals remain wary. Many point to the long-term neglect of infrastructure projects and poor urban planning that worsens such disasters every monsoon season.

Conclusion

The red alerts underline a grim reality: climate extremes are no longer rare in northern India. With rains forecasted to continue, residents of J&K, Himachal, and Punjab brace for more uncertainty in the days ahead.

Source: Based on reporting by Hindustan Times (Read Original)

Labels: IMD Alerts, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Flood Warnings 2025

Tags: #Jammu #Kashmir #News #India

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