**Monsoon Arrives Early in India, Bringing Heavy Rainfall and Alerts**
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially declared the arrival of the Monsoon across the entire country, including Delhi, a full nine days ahead of its usual schedule. As of June 29, the monsoon has reached the remaining regions of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and all of Delhi, surpassing the typical timeline of July 8.
The early onset of the monsoon has resulted in light to moderate rainfall across the Delhi-NCR region over the weekend, with notable showers and gusty winds reported in areas such as Rohini, Pitampura, Karawal Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Dwarka, and IGI Airport. Neighboring regions in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, also experienced scattered rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in certain locations.
In Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours due to a red alert for heavy rainfall. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that pilgrims traveling to Badrinath and Kedarnath are being halted at Srinagar or Rudraprayag, while those heading to Yamunotri and Gangotri are being stopped at Vikasnagar and Barkot. Pilgrims already at the shrines are being safely escorted back.
The IMD has issued a red alert for today and tomorrow for several districts in Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has also been declared for July 1 and 2, with the weather office advising residents in sensitive or low-lying areas to be cautious of potential waterlogging and landslides.
In Uttarkashi, a cloudburst near Silai Band in Barkot triggered a landslide at a hotel construction site early Saturday morning, leaving nine laborers missing after debris struck their shelter. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, police, and local administration are ongoing despite the persistent rain. Landslides have also obstructed sections of the Yamunotri and Gangotri highways.
Himachal Pradesh is on high alert as well, with the weather department’s Hydromet Division warning of moderate to high flash flood risks in parts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una districts over the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall could lead to surface runoff and flooding in low-lying areas.
In response to rising river levels, authorities in Mandi have opened all five gates of the Pandoh Dam to release 36,000 cusecs of water following flushing at the Larji Dam upstream. Locals and tourists are strongly advised to stay away from the banks of the Beas River due to the sudden surge.
As North India prepares for continued rainfall, local administrations in Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid areas prone to flooding or landslides. The weather department has forecasted additional rain across the region in the coming 24 hours.
**FAQ**
**Q: What areas are under red alert due to heavy rainfall?**
A: The IMD has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
