Adverse weather conditions across India have caused widespread disruption, with landslides and heavy rainfall killing dozens in North Bengal, snowfall and landslides shutting major highways in Jammu and Kashmir, and torrential rain triggering flooding in parts of Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rainfall and landslides in North Bengal’s hills, Terai, and Dooars regions have claimed 36 lives, according to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district administrations in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the flood-affected Jalpaiguri on Monday. During her visit, she appealed to people not to lose courage and to exercise restraint and caution.
“My sincere appeal: many people have suffered severely in this disaster. We deeply feel their pain. In this difficult time, we must remember that unity and patience are our greatest strengths. I request everyone not to lose courage, maintain restraint and caution. The government and administration are fully standing by the people, and together we will overcome this disaster,” the West Bengal CM said.
She added, “Please stay calm, do not listen to rumours, and cooperate with the people around you. No untoward incident is desirable at this time; we will stand by each other and face this crisis together.”
Banerjee further urged the administration and police to ensure the safety of people living in low-lying areas and move them to secure locations. With weather showing signs of improvement since Monday, relief and rescue operations have progressed, and most affected tourists have been relocated to safer areas.
In Jammu and Kashmir, all major highways, including Srinagar-Jammu, Srinagar-Leh, and the Mughal Road, were closed on Tuesday due to snowfall and landslides triggered by adverse weather.
Traffic department officials said snowfall at Zojila Pass and Pir Ki Gali led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway and the Mughal Road, while landslides and falling rocks in the Ramban sector forced the shutdown of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir until Tuesday afternoon, with overall improvement in weather expected later. Cold winds from snow-clad mountains have brought a cold wave across the Valley. Residents in towns and cities have started wearing woollens, while villagers and foothill residents have donned the traditional ‘Pheran’.
The early autumn snowfall signals the approaching winter in the Kashmir Valley as farmers continue harvesting the paddy crop. The IMD has said mainly dry weather is expected in the region over the next seven days, with light showers possible in some areas. Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural activities from Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall in six districts: Nilgiris, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, and Namakkal. Moderate rain and thundershowers are also expected in Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Tiruchi districts.
Several areas have already reported waterlogging. In Villupuram district, rain caused flooding in low-lying stretches, while in Chennai, moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning is likely, with suburbs such as Tambaram, Chromepet, and Poonamallee prone to temporary waterlogging if showers intensify.
Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and follow safety measures while travelling in rain-affected areas.