India is seeing another spell of intense weather just as the southwest monsoon enters its final phase.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding and landslides have disrupted life across several states. Uttar Pradesh has reported the highest number of deaths in the latest spell, while Uttarakhand has faced problems along pilgrimage routes and Odisha has evacuated thousands from flood-prone areas.
The India Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rain in parts of southern and northeastern India over the coming days.
Here is what is happening across the country.
Uttar Pradesh Has Seen The Biggest Impact
Uttar Pradesh has been at the centre of the latest weather crisis.
Heavy rain between 25 and 27 September caused flooding and waterlogging across several districts. Earlier state data put the death toll at 56, with 46 people injured and 1,021 houses damaged.
The rainfall was far above normal. The state recorded 45.1 mm of rain in 24 hours, compared with a normal 1.8 mm, while 56 of its 75 districts recorded excessive rainfall.
The latest reports have since put the toll at at least 62 deaths. The difference reflects different reporting cut-offs as officials continued compiling rain-related casualties.
Sitapur recorded the highest number of deaths in the earlier state tally, followed by Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich and Balrampur. Rivers including the Ghagra and Rapti have also risen, increasing the flood risk in low-lying areas.
What Caused Such Heavy Rain?
Two weather systems played an important role in the rainfall over northern India.
A weather system that developed over the Bay of Bengal moved towards central and northern India. At the same time, a Western Disturbance was active over northwestern India.
Their interaction contributed to intense rainfall over Uttar Pradesh and parts of northern India.
The weather is now changing. The system over the Bay of Bengal has weakened, and meteorologists expect rainfall activity to ease in parts of northern India, although showers can continue in some areas.
Uttarakhand: Pilgrims Caught In The Rain
Uttarakhand has also faced difficult conditions.
Heavy rain triggered a landslide along the Kedarnath trekking route, leaving pilgrims stranded around the Chirbasa area. Around 1,500 pilgrims were evacuated after debris blocked parts of the route and rockfall continued in the area. SDRF, NDRF and district rescue teams took part in the operation.
The Char Dham Yatra was temporarily suspended because of the weather before resuming after a two-day halt.
On 29 September, rescue operations were continuing in Uttarkashi. Forty stranded people were evacuated, while 97 remained stranded after bad weather forced a pause in helicopter operations.
Odisha Is Watching Its Rivers
Odisha is dealing with another part of the weather system.
Flooding has forced the evacuation of more than 75,000 people, according to reports. Authorities have also been monitoring rising river levels.
Thirty gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened as water levels increased, with coastal districts put on alert because water released downstream could raise flood risks. Disaster response teams were mobilised and local administrations were preparing for possible evacuations.
The Rain Is Not Limited To The North
The IMD's latest forecast shows that the unsettled weather extends across several parts of the country.
On 29 September, heavy rainfall warnings covered parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Heavy rain was also expected across several northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
Other areas, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, have also faced rain or thunderstorm activity during this spell.
That means the impact looks different from state to state.
In the plains, the biggest concerns are waterlogging, swollen rivers and flooding.
In the hills, rain can trigger landslides and disrupt roads and pilgrimage routes.
Along the coast and in river basins, authorities are watching water levels and preparing for evacuations.
What Are Authorities Doing?
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to speed up relief and rehabilitation work. Officials were told to move people from flood-affected areas to relief centres and provide assistance to families whose homes were damaged.
The state government also directed officials to assess crop damage and provide compensation for eligible losses.
Rescue teams have been working in waterlogged areas, while district administrations have been monitoring rivers and moving people from vulnerable locations.
In Uttarakhand, SDRF, NDRF and district teams have been involved in evacuating stranded pilgrims.
In Odisha, disaster response teams have been deployed and authorities are monitoring dam releases and river levels in vulnerable districts.
What Happens Next?
The immediate picture is mixed.
Rainfall activity is expected to ease across parts of northern India as the system responsible for the recent spell weakens. But the IMD continues to forecast heavy rain in parts of southern and northeastern India.
For people in affected areas, the biggest risks remain flooding, landslides, lightning, strong winds and unsafe travel.
The situation can also change quickly in places where rivers and reservoirs are already carrying high volumes of water.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
What is happening across India?
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding and landslides are affecting several states as the monsoon enters its final phase.
How many people have died?
Uttar Pradesh has reported at least 62 deaths in the latest reports. Earlier state data covering 25 to 27 September had recorded 56 deaths, 46 injuries and 1,021 damaged houses. The figures differ because reporting cut-offs changed as casualty data was compiled.
Which areas have been worst affected?
Uttar Pradesh has seen the largest reported loss of life. Uttarakhand has faced landslides and disruptions along pilgrimage routes, while Odisha has evacuated more than 75,000 people amid flooding.
Why has there been so much rain?
A weather system from the Bay of Bengal interacted with a Western Disturbance, contributing to intense rainfall over parts of northern India.
Where is heavy rain expected now?
The latest warnings include parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and several northeastern states.
What are authorities doing?
Rescue and relief teams are evacuating stranded people, monitoring rivers and reservoirs and moving vulnerable residents to safer locations. Governments have also ordered relief, rehabilitation and compensation measures in affected areas.
