Heavy rains bring relief and casualties across Northern India

As monsoon rains sweep across large parts of northern India, the impact has been a mix of relief and devastation. While Delhi-NCR is enjoying its cleanest July air in over a decade thanks to consistent rainfall, neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are grappling with flood-like conditions, casualties, and emergency rescue operations.

Continuous rainfall in the Delhi-NCR region has offered respite from the sweltering summer heat and led to a dramatic improvement in air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) has dropped below 50 in many areas—categorised as “very good.”

AQI readings from July 31 show exceptionally clean air in locations like Alipur (28), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (38), Bawana (36), Narela and Nehru Nagar (both 48), Indirapuram in Ghaziabad (31), and Noida’s Sector 62 and Sector 1 (both 34). These figures mark the cleanest July for Delhi in over ten years.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued rainfall through August 5, with heavy showers and thunderstorms likely between August 1 and 3. While temperatures are expected to hover between 33–35°C, humidity may touch 95%, making conditions muggy.

However, the rain has exposed persistent urban infrastructure issues, with severe waterlogging and traffic jams across the city, especially in central Delhi. Despite this, the cool weather and cleaner air have been a rare silver lining for the capital’s residents.

In stark contrast, Madhya Pradesh is facing the grim consequences of torrential rainfall. In Guna district, two people have died and 150 have been rescued after relentless rain over the past three days caused a flood-like situation in several areas, including Fatehgarh and Bamori.

“A joint control room of the police and administration has been established. Teams have been formed, and around 150 people have been rescued. Two bodies have been recovered,” said Guna Superintendent of Police Ankit Soni.

Guna Collector Kishore Kumar Kanyal confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing with the help of the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Relief materials are also being distributed.

Meanwhile, in Gwalior, two cousins — Ritesh and Radha — died when a portion of a house collapsed due to the heavy rains. “A part of the house collapsed due to heavy rain, resulting in the death of two cousins,” said CSP Kiran Ahirwar.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Guna, which received 32 cm of rain by Wednesday morning. Other areas like Bamori and Aron also reported 25 cm and 15 cm of rainfall respectively.

Rajasthan’s Dholpur district is on high alert after heavy rainfall in Hadoti and surrounding areas led to the release of water into the Chambal River. By Wednesday night, the water level had surged to 141.10 metres—well above the danger mark of 131.79 metres—submerging the old Chambal bridge.

Water has entered villages in the Sarmathura and Rajakheda subdivisions, prompting the cancellation of all official leaves and the deployment of the Army. While traffic on National Highway 44 remains unaffected thanks to a diversion to a newer bridge, flood-prone areas are being closely monitored by officials.