The monsoon season has taken a severe turn as relentless rainfall continues to wreak havoc across various parts of India. A low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal is influencing weather patterns nationwide, leading to excessive rainfall, floods, and landslides. For the past two days, Delhi-NCR has been experiencing continuous downpours, and the situation is similar in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Impact of the Monsoon Rains
Northern India
- Uttarakhand: In Chamoli district, heavy rains have triggered landslides, causing blockages on the Badrinath Highway. This has disrupted traffic and pilgrimage routes, posing challenges for residents and travelers alike.
- Uttar Pradesh: Over 35 fatalities have been reported in the last 48 hours due to rain-related incidents. Several villages are submerged, and rescue operations are underway.
- Delhi-NCR: Continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging in many areas, affecting daily life and transportation.
Western India
- Rajasthan: Schools have been closed as a precautionary measure. Numerous villages are flooded, and authorities have issued warnings to residents in low-lying areas.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra: Persistent rains have caused rivers, streams, and dams to overflow, increasing the risk of floods in adjacent regions.
Alerts and Warnings
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for more than 15 states over the next two days:
- Red Alert: Indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. States under red alert include Odisha and West Bengal.
- Orange Alert: Signifies heavy rainfall. This alert is active in Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- Yellow Alert: Warns of moderate to heavy rain. Applicable in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Sikkim.
Residents in these areas are advised to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep abreast of updates from local authorities.
Weather Forecast for Delhi
The weather in Delhi is expected to change starting tonight. The IMD predicts heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, with overcast skies and pleasant conditions prevailing. The minimum temperature recorded was 21.4°C, and the maximum is expected to reach 30°C. The city may experience a cool breeze in the mornings and evenings, providing slight relief amid the heavy rains.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
- Stay Informed: Keep track of weather updates from reliable sources like the IMD.
- Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: Refrain from traveling through waterlogged areas to prevent accidents.
- Emergency Kits: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medicines, and important documents.
- Follow Official Guidelines: Adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and disaster management teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which states are most affected by the current monsoon rains?
A1: States like Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and parts of the Northeast are severely affected.
Q2: What do the different weather alerts mean?
A2: The Red Alert signifies heavy to extremely heavy rainfall; Orange Alert indicates heavy rainfall, and Yellow Alert warns of moderate to heavy rain.
Q3: How can I stay safe during heavy rains and floods?
A3: Stay indoors unless necessary, avoid waterlogged areas, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow updates from official sources.
Q4: Is there any relief expected soon?
A4: Weather conditions are subject to change. It is advisable to monitor updates from the IMD for the latest information.
