Heavy rain, rising rivers and road closures affect millions across North

NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall and rising river levels continue to disrupt life across northern and eastern India, as Delhi sees a slight dip in the Yamuna but thousands remain affected, while neighboring Punjab and Haryana face floods and waterlogging that have damaged crops and displaced residents.

- MPOST BUREAU

In Himachal Pradesh, landslides and flash floods have closed over 1,000 roads and forced the evacuation of pilgrims from the Manimahesh Yatra, while Kashmir's highways remain blocked and schools stay shut for the third consecutive day. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for Gujarat, Odisha, and Arunachal Pradesh, warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential flooding, with authorities mobilizing resources to respond to emergencies across all affected regions.

Delhi witnessed a slight easing in the surging Yamuna river on Friday, though numerous areas continued to remain under water. Officials confirmed that the city administration is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the situation, expressing confidence that conditions will return to normal soon.

At 6 pm, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge flood forecasting station was recorded at 207.12 metres, following a peak of 207.48 metres a day earlier. Measurements at 5 pm indicated 207.16 metres. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "The situation is likely to return to normal shortly. Nevertheless, the government remains fully engaged in supporting those impacted."