ISRAELI TOURISTS AWAIT RESCUE FROM FLOODS IN INDIA
(ILTV)
At least 29 people have died in recent floods that have hit northern India, also causing landslides. Heavy rains keep falling in the region during the country’s monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. Researchers warn that the climate crisis is making monsoon seasons more deadly.
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Schools in India’s capital New Delhi were closed on Monday due to heavy rainfall, after New Delhi received 153 mm of rain, the highest rainfall in July since 1982. The Indian capital is on high alert due to the rising water levels in the Yamuna River that flows through the city.
The Himachal Pradesh province in the Himalayas has suffered the most severe damage so far. Cars were washed away, buildings collapsed and bridges fell due to heavy rains. In Uttarakhand, another province in the Himalayas, residents were asked to go out of their homes only if necessary.
A local official reported on Tuesday that the monsoon rains death toll in Himachal Pradesh reached at least 20 people. Nine more people were killed in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir.
In many areas of Himachal Pradesh, months-worth of rain fell down in a single day. Local authorities are waiting for the rains to subside in order to send helicopters and rescue about 300 stranded individuals, including tourists. The Indian Meteorological Department estimated that the heavy rains will continue in the coming days.
The Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday morning that "due to severe weather conditions in northern India and flooding in low-lying areas, local authorities are warning tourists to avoid going out or traveling in the coming these days."
The ministry added that as of Tuesday, contact with 60 Israelis in the country has been lost. "The consulate in New Delhi reports that this is mainly due to reception difficulties and communication lines that have been affected by the weather.”
“Currently, attempts are being made by the ministry, alongside other officials, to establish contact with the Israeli tourists," the Foreign Ministry added.
Hundreds of Israelis are stuck in northern Indian villages due to heavy rainfall in recent days, which caused disruptions in internet connectivity and led to roads being blocked due to flooding. "Many parents in Israel are worried because they can’t contact their children," said Meron Karlik, an administrator of a Facebook group for travel in India.
According to him, hundreds of Israelis are stuck in Manali, Kasol and villages in the Parvati Valley. "It’s possible that things will calm down in the coming days, but what I’m trying to tell families is that due to the rainfall and weather conditions, there’s no electricity and no internet connection, so tourists can’t reach out,” Karlik said.
“The roads are blocked, and there are places they won’t be able to leave until the rains calm down. Anyone who wants to can contact us, and we’ll help them get in touch with their children."