Chandigarh: Widespread rain lashed parts of Punjab and Chandigarh on Friday, triggering incidents of structural damage, waterlogging and travel disruption.
In Manimajra, a house roof collapsed amid heavy rain, trapping three children under the debris. They were rescued and rushed to hospital, where two were reported to be stable, while the condition of one child was stated to be serious. Preliminary inquiry suggested the house was old and its structure had weakened further due to continuous rain.
In another incident, a portion of the false ceiling at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh’s Sector 32 collapsed. The ceiling had reportedly been installed only six months ago. No casualties were reported.
Strong winds accompanying the rain caused tree branches to fall at several locations in Chandigarh, while major roads witnessed severe waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion.
Flight operations were also affected due to the deteriorating weather. IndiGo said flight schedules were impacted in Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala and Chandigarh due to adverse weather conditions.
In Punjab, hailstorms were reported from Jalandhar and Abohar, while roads in Ludhiana and Mansa were flooded. The Meteorological Department issued an alert for thunderstorms and hail till 2 pm, advising residents, especially in Patiala and Mohali, to exercise caution.
According to the India Meteorological Department, a western disturbance is currently active over north India, combined with a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan, intensifying the impact. Another western disturbance is likely to affect north-west India from January 26, 2026.
IMD director Surender Pal Singh said rainfall was likely across most areas on January 23, with isolated showers expected on January 24 and 26, and rain at some places on January 27 and 28. He added that minimum temperatures may rise by 2–4 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, followed by a similar drop in the subsequent two days, before rising again.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist over the next couple of days.
