By Krishnan Nayar
New Delhi, 10th July, 2023 (WAM) — With rainfall in north India exceeding 100 percent more than the normal seasonal average causing widespread damage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally taking stock of the situation, the government’s Press Information Bureau said today.
Nearly two dozen people have died in landslides, floods, house collapses and other accidents during the weekend and residents in the mountainous Himalayan states have been advised to avoid travel or venture out of their homes except in a dire emergency.
Schools in the national capital of Delhi were shut today to avoid risks from flooding. Roads in satellite towns on the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Gurugram and Noida, have been submerged and rendered temporarily unfit for traffic.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Modi spoke to senior Ministers and officials and took stock of the situation. “Local administrations, the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams are working to ensure the well-being of those affected,” the Press Information Bureau said.
Delhi received 112 percent more rain since the onset of monsoon last week, while its neighbouring state of Punjab received 100 percent in excess.