India’s Monsoon Tragedy: Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc in Northern States

The fury of the monsoon has brought widespread destruction and tragedy to northern India, with floods and landslides killing dozens of people and displacing thousands. The worst-hit region is the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, where the death toll from rain-related incidents has reached at least 32. The majority of these fatalities were caused by a massive landslide that struck a pilgrimage route near the famous Vaishno Devi shrine.

According to reports from state officials and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the incessant downpour has crippled life across the region. A portion of the fourth Tawi bridge in Jammu was washed away, and major highways, including the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, remain blocked by landslides and debris. In Jammu city, the Tawi river exceeded its 2014 flood record, forcing the evacuation of over 3,500 residents to safer locations.

The disaster has prompted a multi-agency response, with the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF launching extensive rescue and relief operations. Helicopters and rescue columns have been deployed to evacuate stranded civilians, students, and security personnel. Relief camps have been set up, and community kitchens are providing meals for those who have lost their homes.

Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, other states are also grappling with the monsoon’s devastating effects. In Himachal Pradesh, the overflowing Beas River has swept away a hotel and several houses, while in Uttar Pradesh, more than 700 villages across 22 districts have been inundated.

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has described the situation as “extremely tragic” and has assured state authorities of all central government support. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued further warnings for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, indicating that the situation could worsen before it improves. The disasters serve as a grim reminder of the recurring threat posed by extreme weather events in the Himalayan region, highlighting the urgent need for robust disaster management and climate resilience strategies.