Nature’s Fury: Heavy Rain, Landslides and Floods Wreak Havoc Across India

Heavy rainfall has triggered a wave of floods, landslides and flash floods across several parts of India, creating dangerous conditions from the mountains to the plains. In Kalimpong, West Bengal, a sudden landslide near the Bhutan border buried a motorcycle and narrowly missed a car, while the biker escaped unharmed. In Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst caused a powerful flash flood that swept away an iron bridge and pedestrian route. Around 40–50 pilgrims were reportedly stranded, but locals built a temporary wooden bridge and helped move them to safety. In Rishikesh, an SUV overturned in the swollen Beer River. SDRF teams conducted a difficult rescue operation in strong currents and darkness, saving two people. In Kullu, four tourists from Delhi entered the swollen Parvati River and became trapped as the water level rose. Rescue teams managed to save all four, highlighting the dangers of entering rivers during heavy rain. Meanwhile, landslides have disrupted traffic in Uttarkashi, forcing the closure of the Yamunotri Highway, while falling rocks have also affected the Gangotri Highway. Rising Ganga waters in Varanasi and flooding in Odisha have further added to the monsoon crisis.