Relentless Rains Trigger Landslides Across States, Leaving Nine Dead And Widespread Damage

Heavy monsoon rains, landslides and lightning strikes claimed at least nine lives across India on Wednesday, as intense weather activity disrupted normal life in several states including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall over south Bengal in the coming days, raising concerns of further disruption.

In Himachal Pradesh, four rain-related deaths were reported as torrential downpours triggered landslides, swollen rivers and widespread disruption to essential services. The hill state, which witnessed the full arrival of the southwest monsoon on Tuesday, saw intense rainfall across key tourist and transit regions including Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala. In one incident, a woman from Solan district was killed after being struck by a falling boulder near Aut on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, highlighting the increased vulnerability of hilly highways during peak monsoon activity.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), three additional deaths were reported from Kangra district, including one case each of electrocution and fatal fall from height. Authorities said the heavy rainfall has led to disrupted power supply in several areas, while landslides have blocked key road routes, complicating rescue and restoration efforts. Emergency teams have been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity in affected regions.

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In Karnataka, heavy monsoon rains also claimed three lives, with authorities reporting widespread waterlogging in low-lying urban and rural areas. Continuous rainfall has impacted transportation and daily life in several districts, with civic bodies working to drain accumulated water and prevent further damage to infrastructure. Local administrations have urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious amid forecasts of continued rainfall.

In Uttar Pradesh, two people were killed after being struck by lightning during thunderstorms linked to the active monsoon system. Officials have warned that lightning-related incidents tend to rise during peak monsoon activity and have advised people, particularly in rural areas, to avoid open fields and seek shelter during storm conditions. The state disaster management authority is monitoring the situation closely.

Meanwhile, the IMD has cautioned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue over parts of eastern India, particularly south Bengal, in the coming days. Meteorologists have warned of possible flooding, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable districts, urging state governments to remain on high alert. With monsoon conditions strengthening across the country, authorities are prioritising disaster preparedness and rapid response mechanisms to minimise further loss of life and property.

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