Fresh rains compound woes of flood-hit states

IMD WARNS OF WETTER SEPTEMBER

- MPOST BUREAU

NEW DELHI: Fresh downpour in parts of India on Sunday compounded the woes of some flood-ravaged states, where swollen rivers inundated new areas, roads were blocked and educational institutions were closed.

Punjab, which has been hit by flash floods, received fresh rain. In Uttarakhand, a rain-triggered landslide blocked tunnels of a power project in Pithoragarh, trapping 11 people.

In Himachal Pradesh, which has been hit by landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods this monsoon, rescuers braced for more arduous work as the meteorological department issued a 'red' alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rains over the next three days and warned of landslides, flash floods and land subsidence.

Respite from the inclement weather is unlikely soon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) saying that the country is likely to receive above-normal rainfall in September.

Rain lashed several parts of Punjab and more is likely in the coming days, according to the meteorological department.