New Delhi, August 19: Incessant rainfall has hammered North India, with alarmingly high downpour being reported in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The cumulative death count has climbed to 43, with the maximum casualties being reported in Himachal -- where 22 have died so far.

"22 people have died due to heavy rainfall and flood in just past 2 days. Death toll in entire monsoon season is 43. Losses of 574 crore estimated till now, detailed reports will come later. Situation is improving," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. NH3 Between Manali And Kullu Partially Damaged Due to Heavy Rains

In neighbouring Uttarakhand, 17 deaths have been reported due to a cloudburst in Mori block of Uttarkashi district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to heavy rainfall in Dehradun and neighbouring region for the next 48 hours.

In Punjab, over 250 villages spread across eight districts -- Ropar, Nawanshahr, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, Moga and Ferozepur -- have been affected by the ongoing rainfall and overflowing of rivers. People in deluge-hit villages have been evacuated and shifted to safer places.

An alert has also been issued in Delhi, with the weather office warning of severe rainfall in the national capital. Combined with the flowing of Yamuna above danger-mark, a threat exists of flash floods occurring low-lying parts of the city.

The rain fury hitting North India comes days after southern states, including Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka were left devastated due to the incessent downpour. In Kerala alone, 104 deaths were reported, followed by 76 in Karnataka and 39 in Maharashtra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2019 01:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).