Rain fury: Heavy downpours batter north India; IMD sounds alerts, pilgrimage suspended

North India is facing severe hardship due to continuous rains. Rivers are overflowing, disrupting travel and forcing school closures. The India Meteorological Department issued red alerts for several regions. Punjab is experiencing its worst floods since 1988. Himachal Pradesh declared itself a disaster-affected state. Rescue operations are underway in Jammu and Kashmir.