Fri Jul 18 15:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Monsoon Fury: Heavy Rains Lash Northern and Central India, Claiming Lives and Disrupting Life**
**New Delhi, India -** A relentless monsoon continues to wreak havoc across several parts of India, triggering floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are among the regions grappling with the severe weather.
In the nation’s capital, Delhi, residents experienced heavy downpours on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a “Yellow Alert,” advising caution. The IMD forecasts further light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) in Delhi-NCR in the coming hours. While the temperature remained moderate, high humidity was recorded. The air quality was reported as ‘satisfactory’.
The situation is particularly dire in Himachal Pradesh, where an “Orange Alert” is in effect. Heavy rainfall has claimed 112 lives this monsoon season, a tragic combination of rain-related incidents and road accidents. The state has witnessed numerous flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, causing an estimated ₹1,220 crore in damages. Numerous roads are blocked, and essential services like water and electricity are disrupted. The weather department has issued an “Orange Alert” for July 21st and 22nd, predicting further heavy rainfall.
Rajasthan is also battling flood-like conditions. Ajmer, Pushkar, and Kota have experienced severe waterlogging, inundating shops and homes. School have been shut in the Ajmer district. Authorities have been forced to open gates of the Kota Barrage. The IMD has issued a “Red Alert” for several districts including Ajmer, Bhilwara and Kota, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Other districts are under “Orange” and “Yellow” alerts.
In Jharkhand, tragedy struck in Ranchi when the roof of a dilapidated government school collapsed due to continuous rainfall, killing one person and injuring three others. The victim was identified as a 65-year-old man who was sleeping in the veranda of the school. The school had been long closed for operations. The state has received significantly more rainfall than average since the beginning of June.
Amidst the widespread disruption, the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir has resumed after a one-day suspension due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Pilgrims are once again making their way to the holy cave after weather conditions improved. Over 250,000 devotees have already visited the shrine since the yatra commenced on July 3rd.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines issued by disaster management agencies. The monsoon season is expected to continue for several more weeks, and preparedness remains crucial.
[Copyright © 2025 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today]
First Piper 