India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states as of Aug. 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states as of Aug, 1. Spells of torrential rainfall over a short period of time known as cloudbursts struck parts of the region overnight July 31-Aug. 1, triggering flash flooding and landslides. Authorities in Himachal Pradesh State have reported at least two fatalities and around 50 others are missing amidst the downpours. Parts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts were among the worst affected areas. Flooding and landslides have blocked several roads in affected areas and communication outages have also been reported. In Uttarakhand, nine fatalities have been confirmed across Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, and Tehri districts. Houses and bridges have collapsed in the affected areas. Hundreds of pilgrims were stranded on the route to Kedarnath. Response operations are ongoing across the affected region.

Further adverse weather is forecast in the region over the coming days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a press release warning of further monsoon rains over Northwest India over the coming days. Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) are in place across Uttarakhand Aug. 1-3 and Himachal Pradesh Aug. 1. Yellow heavy rainfall warnings are in place across Himachal Pradesh Aug. 2-7 and Uttarakhand Aug. 4-7. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.