Torrential rains continue to batter parts of north India, with states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana recording 13 rain-related deaths and Punjab sounding a ‘red alert’ as a flood-threat looms over the state.
Rolling out a contingency plan, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh called an emergency meeting to review flood preparedness to deal with any eventuality that may arise due to the prevailing situation.
As part of the arrangements, the chief minister has directed officials of all districts to remain on constant vigil and the Army has also been alerted, according to the press release issued by the state government.
Punjab CM calls emergency meeting to review flood preparedness Source: Supplied
District control rooms have been activated for fast response and local ministers have been asked to tour areas to assess the situation on the ground. The state government has also announced a survey to assess crop damage.
The Chief Minister has also ordered schools and colleges to remain shut and has advised the people of Punjab to stay indoors for the next 24 hours.
The state's health department has been asked to undertake measures to prevent a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases.
According to the Meteorological Department, rains will continue to lash parts in Punjab and Haryana for the most part of the day today, though it is likely to recede thereafter.
Elsewhere, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.
In the worst affected state of Himachal Pradesh, five people have died, many have been injured and hundreds are stranded in the tourist town of Manali which has been cut-off from the rest of the state due to parts of roads being submerged in flood water.
A man looks at a flooded Beas River following heavy rains in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, Monday, Sept.24, 2018. Source: AAP Image/ AP Photo/Aqil Khan
In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 29 people were rescued from the Kathua are following relentless rains.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has also snarled traffic in Delhi and adjoining region, disrupting the normal life in the national capital.
And as expected, Twitter was abuzz with videos and pictures from people struggling to commute from work to home.
