Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc in Northern India, Hundreds of Pilgrims Stranded

Torrential rains in northern India have caused severe damage, claiming at least 10 lives and stranding hundreds of pilgrims in the Himalayas. Heavy rains lashed Delhi, causing fatalities and infrastructural damage. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reported casualties and missing individuals. The extreme weather is attributed to climate change.

In Northern India, torrential rains have induced heavy damage, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives and leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded in the Himalayas. Officials reported these dire consequences on Thursday, stressing the severity of the ongoing weather conditions.

Delhi experienced intense rainfall on Wednesday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a total of 147 mm (5.8 inches) in eastern parts of the city and its suburbs, which led to at least five fatalities, as per local media. The capital's severe weather adds to mounting concerns.

Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand claimed three lives, with parts of two bridges washed away and communications disrupted in the hilly terrain. District official Saurabh Gaharwar informed Reuters that around 300 pilgrims were left stranded along the Kedarnath route. In neighboring Himachal Pradesh, torrential rain and floods caused two deaths and left nearly 50 people missing.

Rescue efforts are underway, with visuals showing workers braving treacherous conditions. The mountainous regions have frequently faced floods and landslides, which are increasingly linked to climate change. Landslides also recently hit Kerala, leading to significant casualties. Delhi's new parliament building even showed leakage after the recent intense rains.