Heavy rains continue to batter North India, toll climbs to 44

At least 44 persons died across North India in 72 hours as heavy rains continued to lash the region for the third day on Monday.

Many parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Delhi have received heavy rainfall since July 8. The India Meteorological Department has said that the weather conditions were caused by the interaction of a western disturbance and monsoon winds.

Disaster management officials also said that 20 residents have died in Himachal Pradesh, 15 in Jammu and Kashmir, five in Delhi and one each in Rajasthan and Haryana, reported the Hindustan Times.

Two persons have also died in Punjab, reported The Indian Express.

The rainfall led to flooding and landslides that washed away homes, roads and bridges in some areas.

Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, incessant rain triggered landslides and flash floods, leaving homes and other structures damaged, reported NDTV. Some shops and vehicles were also washed away in flash floods in Manali, Kullu, Kinnaur and Chamba due to the rise in water levels of all major rivers in the state, including Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan and Chenab.

State minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Monday that while 20 people have died in the state, most of them are due to road accidents and not landslides or flash floods.

“Over 1,300 roads, including...

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