Severe waterlogging has been reported in parts of Gurugram, causing inconvenience to the residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted widespread rain in Kerala under the influence of a low-pressure zone in the Bay of Bengal. In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains have caused landslides and search and rescue operations are currently underway in the affected areas of Shimla.
In Punjab, several villages along the Sutlej River have been cut off from the mainland due to floods. The situation remains grim in the flood-hit areas of Rupnagar district, with more than a dozen villages still inaccessible. The district administration has declared a holiday in all schools in flood-hit areas. Power and water supply have been restored in villages where water had entered due to overflowing rivers.
Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to increase in Shimla from August 21 to 23. However, the intensity of the rainfall is not expected to be as heavy as before, according to the IMD Shimla Director.
In a gesture of support, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has announced a financial assistance of ₹11 crore for rain-ravaged Himachal Pradesh. The state has been facing heavy rains and landslides, causing extensive damage to life and property. Over 330 people have lost their lives and more than 12,000 houses have been damaged. The loss incurred by the state is estimated to be over ₹10,000 crore.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has declared Himachal Pradesh a ‘Natural Calamity Affected Area’. The declaration aims to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state.
Read More: [India Rain Live Updates](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-rain-live-updates-on-august-19/article67212291.ece)
