PM Modi to Visit Flood-Hit Northern States as Death Toll Rises Above 500
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tour several northern states battered by floods and landslides in recent weeks, officials said Friday, as heavy monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across the region. The visit comes as authorities struggle to respond to widespread destruction that has claimed more than 500 lives, washed away infrastructure, and left hundreds of thousands affected. Officials said Modi’s itinerary will focus on the worst-hit areas, where he will meet local authorities, review relief operations, and assure survivors of government support. Himachal Pradesh remains among the hardest-hit states. The State Disaster Management Authority reported that more than 360 people have died since the onset of the monsoon. At least 1,087 roads are blocked, 2,838 power lines disrupted, and 509 water supply schemes damaged. Economic losses are estimated at over 39.7 billion rupees ($478 million), affecting both public and private property. The Indian Air Force has been mobilized for rescue operations, particularly to aid stranded pilgrims during the annual Manimahesh Yatra. In neighboring Punjab, officials described the situation as one of the state’s worst weather disasters in decades. More than 1,900 villages across 23 districts remain inundated, with 43 people confirmed dead. Roughly 171,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, dealing a severe blow to the state’s agriculture. The Punjab government has appealed for a special financial package from New Delhi. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan toured affected districts earlier this week and is preparing a detailed assessment report for the prime minister. Floodwaters in Jammu and Kashmir have begun to recede, bringing some relief after several days of heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department forecast mainly dry conditions in the next 24 hours, with only isolated showers expected. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting Friday, ordering reinforcement of vulnerable embankments and evacuation of residents from submerged villages. Control rooms across the state are operating round-the-clock to monitor developments. Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states have also reported deadly flash floods and landslides. Authorities said relief teams from state and central agencies are working together to restore essential services, evacuate stranded residents, and distribute food and medical supplies. Officials stressed that Modi’s visit is intended to assess the disaster’s scale firsthand and ensure relief reaches the most affected. “The prime minister will prioritize areas with the highest damage and coordinate with state governments to accelerate rescue and rehabilitation,” one senior official said. With rivers still running above danger levels and landslides cutting off major transport routes, authorities warned that the humanitarian crisis remains far from over. This monsoon season, they said, is shaping up to be one of the deadliest in decades.
