Over 80 killed as heavy rains continue to batter North India

Over 80 persons died across North India in the past three days 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.

Uttar Pradesh alone reported 42 rain-related deaths in the past three days, The Indian Express reported. Twenty-two of these deaths occurred due to lightning, 14 people died by drowning and six casualties were because of “heavy rainfall”, the newspaper cited information from the state relief commissioner’s office.

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, while four died in Uttarakhand.

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...

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