Heavy rainfall is expected across India over the next five days, with significant disruptions in traffic, power outages, and severe weather warnings. Read about the latest updates and alerts for your region .
Heavy Rainfall Predicted for Multiple States
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for several states as heavy rain is anticipated over the next five days. Regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh are expected to experience significant rainfall. The forecast also indicates heavy rain in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, lighter rain showers may affect Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and Chandigarh.
Formation of Low Pressure System
A low-pressure area has developed over the North Bay of Bengal and is gradually shifting towards the Gangetic region of Bangladesh and West Bengal. This system is predicted to intensify, resulting in increased rainfall across eastern and central India next week. Additionally, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are likely to see heavy to very heavy rains in the coming 2-3 days. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall until August 20.
Orange Alert Issued for Kerala
Kerala is bracing for heavy rain and strong winds, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for four districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. The alert follows intermittent light rain that has already caused water levels to rise in several rivers, including the Manimala and Pamba. Residents in these areas should exercise caution, particularly near riverbanks, and avoid crossing reservoirs. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and other districts can expect light to moderate rain coupled with winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph.
Traffic Disruptions Due to Cloudbursts
Recent cloudbursts have led to significant disruptions in Shimla and Jammu. In the Damrali area of Rampur subdivision, a cloudburst washed away about 30 meters of road, severing connectivity to five local panchayats and stranding vehicles, including those carrying apples. The IMD reported that 132 roads, including National Highway 5, have been closed due to the rain. Additionally, power supply has been disrupted for 1,235 schemes. In Jammu, a bridge collapsed in Keller due to a cloudburst, and the Rampur bridge on the Santoshgarh-Una road was severely damaged by rising water levels.
Fatalities and Damage Reports
The severe weather has claimed lives in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. In Chhattisgarh, lightning strikes resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to seven others, all of whom were working in the fields. The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased. In Odisha, nine fatalities and twelve injuries have been reported due to lightning, with four of the injured in critical condition.
Yamunotri Highway Closure Causes Stranding
Heavy rains on Friday evening led to landslides on the Yamunotri Highway, causing it to remain closed for 15 hours on Saturday. This disruption left hundreds of devotees and local residents stranded near Kuthnaur, Kharadi, and Khaneda bridge. The power supply in the affected area was also interrupted for over 12 hours, exacerbating the inconvenience for those stranded. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore normalcy.
Conclusion
The ongoing and forecasted severe weather conditions across India underscore the need for vigilance and preparedness. With heavy rains expected to continue, residents in the affected areas should stay informed about weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the impact of these adverse conditions.
