India, Sept. 1 -- Several northern states are reeling under the monsoons, witnessing floods and incessant rain for several days now. As rains batter states, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for parts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Monday.

More flooding and mudslides is predicted in Punjab's hilly catchment areas, which may lead to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas.

In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the next 24-48 hours would be "crucial", saying people whose houses were affected in the rain were being relocated to safer areas.

Natural disasters have also been taking place in Himachal Pradesh, including parts of Chamba and Shimla. A total of 16 devotees died during the...