Heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India.
According to Press Trust of India (PTI), 6 people died on 12 August after landslides in 3 villages in Chamoli district. Flooding from the Chuflagad river in Chamoli swept away two buildings.
Major roads were blocked by landslides in Chamoli as well as Rudraprayag and Tehri districts. PTI reported that other roads were also blocked in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Champawat, Bageshwar, Nainital and Pithoragarh districts.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) figures, during a 24 hour period to 12 August, Dehradun and Ayodhya 130mm of rain, Chamoli 100mm, Satyanarayan and Kapkot 90mm, Kashipur and Garud 80mm and Pantnagar 70mm.
The heavy rain is increasing river levels in Uttarakhand and the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh. The Ganga in Haridwar and the Sharda (Kali) river in Pithoragarh district are both flowing just below the danger mark.
India’s Central Water Commission (CWC) said: “Due to ongoing heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, there is chance of rise in water levels in Alaknanda, Mandakini, Bhagirathi, Ramganga, Ganga, Sharda, Sarju, Ghaghra, Rapti rivers.
CWC added “River Ganga is flowing in Severe Flood Situation in Badaun District and Ghaghra is flowing in Severe to Above Normal flood situation in Barabanki, Faizabad and Ballia Districts.”
Elsewhere in the north of the country, 3 people died in Jammu and Kashmir after heavy rain triggered a landslide in Resai district on 11 August.
Meanwhile parts of western and southern India are still fighting major flooding which has displaced over 1 million people and left around 200 people dead since early August.
