New delhi: Death toll due to torrential monsoon rains and subsequent flooding, landslides and thunderstorms in north Indian states claimed more than 500 lives, according to reports.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab alone have reported 521 deaths in rain-related incidents.
The State Disaster Management Authority of Himachal Pradesh said that due to torrential rains and subsequent flooding, landslides, and road accidents, 341 lives have been lost in addition to unprecedented damages to infrastructure and properties since June 20.
In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, rain-related incidents since August claimed more than 150 lives, and massive damages were reported to infrastructure as the rains battered the state.
In Punjab, considered to be a major agricultural state, the torrential rains and resultant flash floods claimed at least 30 lives as the authorities beefed up rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
New Delhi is also receiving incessant rains causing rivers to overflow and inundated markets, roads, and houses.
Earlier today, the Indian Meteorological Department issued red alerts and warned of possible flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.