Monsoon Fury: Punjab, Himachal, Uttarakhand Reel Under Red Alert – Next 24–48 Hours Crucial

Northern India Under Siege by Monsoon Rains

By: Javid Amin | 01 Sep 2025

Northern India is in the grip of one of the harshest monsoon spells in recent years, with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand facing red alerts for extremely heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the highest-level alert for these states, warning of widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides. With rivers swelling and catchment areas receiving incessant downpours, authorities fear more loss of lives and infrastructure damage in the coming days.

Uttarakhand: Next 24–48 Hours Critical

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has declared the next 24–48 hours as “crucial” for the state’s weather situation.

“Some of our districts are in red alert and some districts are in orange alert… The next 24-48 hours are crucial, and we all have to keep a close watch. Our entire district administration, NDRF, SDRF, all departments are on alert,” Dhami said.

⚠️ Key Uttarakhand Updates:

• Red Alert: Almora, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat.

• Orange Alert: Several other districts.

• Nanak Sagar Dam: Currently 5 feet below the danger mark but under close monitoring.

• Relocation: Families from vulnerable and damaged homes are being moved to safer shelters.

Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon’s Deadliest Toll

Himachal Pradesh has been the worst hit, with over 300 deaths since the onset of monsoon. The devastation includes:

• 16 deaths in Chamba during the Manimahesh Yatra pilgrimage, which has now been suspended, leaving over 15,000 devotees stranded.

• 3 deaths in Shimla after a landslide buried a house.

• 819 roads blocked, including 3 national highways, paralyzing movement across the hill state.

• 1,236 electricity transformers damaged, plunging several villages into darkness.

• 424 water supply schemes disrupted, raising concerns of drinking water shortages.

Rescue teams are stretched thin as landslides continue to cut off access to remote valleys. Districts like Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra have reported severe disruptions, and IMD has issued a three-day red alert for Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur.

Punjab: Floods Force Colleges & Universities Shut

In Punjab, continuous rains have caused flooding and waterlogging, especially in hilly catchment areas. The government has ordered the closure of all colleges, universities, and educational institutions till September 3.

“The responsibility for the well-being of students residing in hostels lies with the respective administrations,” Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, urging compliance with local guidelines.

Districts on Red Alert in Punjab:

• Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Patiala, Nawashahr.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped in, providing relief material, drinking water, and supplies to flood-hit families.

Why This Monsoon Is So Destructive

India’s northern states are particularly vulnerable during monsoons due to:

1. Fragile mountain slopes → prone to landslides.

2. High-density river catchments → sudden floods after cloudbursts.

3. Rapid urbanization → poor drainage, leading to urban flooding.

4. Climate change impact → heavier and more erratic rainfall than historical averages.

Experts warn that climate-induced weather extremes are turning monsoons deadlier every year.

Rescue & Relief Operations

Across states, NDRF, SDRF, Army, ITBP, and BSF teams are working round-the-clock. Helicopters have been deployed in some areas for aerial rescues.

• Relief camps are being set up in Uttarakhand and Punjab.

• Medical teams are providing emergency care to those injured or stranded.

• States are preparing for possible dam overflows and river breaches.

Comparative Impact – Monsoon 2025 (So Far)

The Road Ahead

The coming days are critical. Authorities urge:

• Avoid unnecessary travel in red-alert districts.

• Stay updated via official IMD and disaster response bulletins.

• Move to safer shelters if living near riverbanks or unstable slopes.

• Stock essentials: dry food, drinking water, power banks, medicines.

Conclusion

With red alerts across Punjab, Himachal, and Uttarakhand, northern India is staring at a potential humanitarian crisis. Himachal has already borne the brunt with 300+ deaths, while Uttarakhand braces for what could unfold in the next 24–48 hours.

As climate change intensifies the monsoon’s fury, experts call for long-term resilience planning — better urban drainage, slope stabilization projects, and climate-adaptive infrastructure — to prevent yearly devastation.