The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a seven-day heavy rain alert covering large parts of the country, with Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana among the worst-affected states. The upcoming spell of monsoon activity is expected to trigger landslides, flash floods, road blockages, and infrastructure damage in several regions.
Heavy Rainfall Triggers Tragedies in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Torrential monsoon rains have already wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, claiming multiple lives over the weekend. On Saturday, a devotee lost his life after being struck by falling stones in Himachal Pradesh. In a separate incident, the body of Suraj Das, a pilgrim from Kolkata participating in the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra, was recovered near Parvati Kund on Sunday.
The death toll among devotees during the Yatra has now reached four, raising concerns about safety in mountainous pilgrimage zones amid relentless rains.
In Kumarhatti, Nalagarh, an artificial lake formed due to debris accumulation from the mountains poses a severe risk of sudden flooding. Authorities have evacuated nearby houses and are monitoring the situation closely.
Infrastructure Disruption and Road Closures in Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rains have caused large boulders to tumble from Kala Chau hill in Sainj Gram Panchayat Raila-2 of Kullu district. The Chandigarh–Manali National Highway is now operating in one-way traffic mode due to subsidence near Dayod, slowing movement of essential goods and emergency services.
Currently, 359 roads remain blocked, 145 electricity transformers are out of service, and 520 drinking water schemes are disrupted across the state. Key tourist hubs like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali are on high alert for further rainfall and possible landslides.
Uttarakhand Braces for Record-Breaking Rainfall
According to the IMD, Uttarakhand could witness rainfall up to 21 cm in certain locations on August 13, a volume high enough to trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Pilgrims traveling to Char Dham shrines and trekking routes are advised to postpone their journeys during this high-risk period.
The hill districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi are on red alert, with local administrations activating disaster response teams. Residents in low-lying regions are urged to remain vigilant and avoid riverbanks.
Severe Weather Conditions in Telangana
In Telangana, the IMD has extended the heavy rain warning until August 17. Winds with speeds ranging from 30–40 km/h are expected in multiple districts.
Hyderabad recorded intense downpours on Saturday night, leading to waterlogging in several neighborhoods. On Sunday, heavy rain persisted across the state, disrupting traffic and slowing rail movement. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is also forecast to see significant rainfall between August 13 and 16, coinciding with the onset of a new wet phase in the monsoon cycle.
East-Central and Northern Peninsular India to See Renewed Monsoon Surge
From August 13 to 16, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience a fresh spell of widespread heavy rainfall. This system is expected to interact with monsoon troughs, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding in urban and semi-urban centers.
Nationwide Rainfall Statistics (Past 24 Hours)
As per IMD records till 8:30 AM Sunday, rainfall measurements ranged between 7–20 cm across several regions:
West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, East Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Karnataka
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim
Gujarat Region, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal
This widespread precipitation has already resulted in flash floods in low-lying areas, road collapses, and intermittent power outages.
Jammu & Kashmir: Vaishno Devi Yatra Disrupted
In Katra, the religious gateway to Mata Vaishno Devi, torrential rain lashed the region for five hours on Sunday morning. The downpour, accompanied by dense fog in the Trikuta mountain area, temporarily halted the Yatra.
Helicopter services were suspended, forcing most pilgrims to proceed on foot. Many opted for horses, mules, and palanquins to reach the Bhawan. Authorities have deployed additional security and medical staff to manage crowd control in slippery and high-risk areas.
Uttar Pradesh Weather Outlook
Weather patterns in Uttar Pradesh remain unstable, with intermittent rainfall recorded over the past week.
August 11–12: Light showers with thunder and lightning are expected in western and eastern UP.
From August 13: Monsoon activity will intensify, bringing heavy rainfall to most parts of eastern UP.
August 14–15: Both divisions are likely to experience heavy rain with thunderstorms; lightning warnings are in effect.
The Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur belts are expected to face localized flooding, and agricultural fields may see temporary waterlogging.
High-Risk Areas Under Watch
Himachal Pradesh: Kinnaur, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur
Uttarakhand: Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and Dehradun
Telangana: Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Warangal, and Khammam
Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Gwalior
Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and Srikakulam
Safety Guidelines During Heavy Monsoon Rains
To minimize risks during this prolonged wet spell, residents and travelers should adhere to the following safety measures:
Avoid Mountain Travel – Landslide-prone zones in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Northeast India remain unstable.
Stay Clear of Riverbanks – Sudden water level rises can be life-threatening.
Monitor Official Updates – Follow IMD bulletins and district administration alerts.
Prepare Emergency Kits – Include torches, drinking water, first aid, and non-perishable food.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel – Waterlogged roads and highways are prone to accidents.
