In the wake of ongoing monsoon havoc, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for several regions across the country. The IMD predicts extremely heavy rainfall in the Konkan region of Goa and Maharashtra, coastal Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana over the next two days. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience heavy to heavy rainfall during the next three days.
The current forecast for northwest India has raised concerns, especially with the recent mayhem caused by flash floods and overflowing rivers in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Since the monsoon’s onset on June 24, Himachal Pradesh alone has seen the complete destruction of 652 houses, with thousands of other properties partially damaged.
To address the growing concern, the regional meteorological office has issued an ‘orange alert’ for heavy to very heavy rains in eight of Himachal Pradesh’s districts on July 26-27. The authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, as landslides, flash floods, mudslides, and increased river runoff pose serious threats to lives and property. In Mumbai, the situation remains critical as incessant rainfall continues to disrupt normal life. The regional meteorological centre has issued an ‘orange’ alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and a ‘red’ alert for Ratnagiri and Raigad districts.
The city has experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with areas like Dahisar witnessing a staggering 112.0 mm of rainfall in a single day. Meanwhile, Raigad district in Maharashtra recorded an average of 104 mm rainfall in a 24-hour period, leading the district collector to declare a holiday for schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students and staff. The IMD has identified a well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts. This system is expected to move slowly northwestwards across north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts, potentially leading to further heavy rainfall in those regions.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. With the relentless monsoon rains causing havoc in various states, rescue teams and emergency services are on high alert to respond swiftly to any emergencies. As the weather situation remains dynamic, it is essential for residents and authorities to monitor updates from the IMD and local weather offices regularly. Proper preparedness and timely action can help mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.