Heavy rain triggers flash floods in J-K,2 more dead in UP

Delhiites groaned under sultry conditions today as the mercury settled above normal and humidity in air fluctuated between 59 and 88 per cent.

The maximum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 35.8 degrees Celsius,two notches above normal,while the minimum was at 27.5 degrees.

The forecast is for cloudy skies tomorrow with the likelihood of scattered light rainfall and thundershowers.

In Uttar Pradesh,the flood-affected districts of Ghazipur and Ballia each reported one person dead in rain-related incidents even as Central Water Commission sources said that the major rivers in the state were flowing close to danger levels.

The Ganga,which was flowing close to the red mark at several places,has breached the red mark at Phaphamau (Allahabad),Varanasi,Ghazipur and Ballia,sources said.

MeT office sources said that light to moderate rain and thundershowers occurred at isolated places over the state.

While Ghorwal received 50mm rainfall,Allahabad and Banda each saw showers measuring 40mm followed by Mirzapur and Chandauli (30mm each).

Meanwhile,flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir rendered about 30 villages cut off and led to several families being evacuated to safety.

About 24 families in Barian and two families in Thalote village have had to be shifted as a precautionary measure as heavy rainfall continues in the area,officials said. Heavy rainfall also lashed many parts of Himachal Pradesh which,according to weather officials,was set to be hit by torrential downpours over the coming 48 hours.

Dharamsala was the wettest place in the state with 132mm rainfall.

A cyclonic circulation extending upto 2.1km above sea level,which lies over southeast Rajasthan and its neighbourhood,can bring more rain to the state,the MeT office added.

Rajasthan reported light to moderate rainfall at several places in the state with Nadati receiving a maximum 70mm rainfall.

Monsoon clouds were active over the north,east and southern regions of the state,although the western districts of Jaisalmer,Barmer,Jodhpur and Bikaner remained mostly dry and humid.

Rainfall eluded Punjab and Haryana where maximum temperatures settled above normal levels as high humidity added to the discomfort of the people.

Patiala in Punjab was the hottest place in the region with a high of 35.6 degrees,three notches above normal.

In Haryana,Hisar and Narnaul registered identical highs of 35.5 degrees.

The Union Territory of Chandigarh had a high of 35.2 degrees,which was three notches above normal.

The forecast is for light to moderate rainfall at isolated places across the two neighbouring states in the coming 24 hours.