Flash Floods Pose a Potential Threat, With Risks Ranging from Minimal to Fair, in Himachal, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim According to IMD
Published on August 13, 2025
Heavy rainfall has been reported in certain watersheds and neighbourhoods of the Area of Concern (AoC) Met subdivisions, with up to 62 mm of rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this has led to over 85-99% soil saturation in some areas, increasing the flood risk.
The IMD has warned that surface runoff or inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low-lying areas due to the expected rainfall in the next 24 hours. Furthermore, a heavy rainfall of at least 180 mm is expected in some areas, according to IMD's National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin.
The hilly districts of Uttarakhand, including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Tehri Garhwal, are under active watch for flash floods. Uttarkashi district, which has recently experienced flash floods in the Sukhi top and Harsil regions, is also at high risk.
Himachal Pradesh, having seen an 18% above-average rainfall so far this monsoon, faces an intensified risk from western disturbances prolonging heavy rain spells. The IMD has announced a 'low to moderate' flash flood risk in certain areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
The monsoon season 2025 saw an unusually high frequency of western disturbances (14 events), which are extra-tropical storms pulling moisture into the region, intensifying rainfall and triggering flash floods. Arctic and West Asian warming is influencing the jet stream, further increasing erratic heavy rainfall episodes in these mountainous areas.
In Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, the current data does not highlight imminent flash flood warnings comparable to Uttarakhand’s districts. However, these states are part of the larger eastern Himalayan and monsoon-influenced region vulnerable to heavy rainfall and resultant floods during the monsoon season.
The IMD's Land Surface Model shows 85-99% soil saturation over the AoC Met subdivisions and 50% soil saturation over the remaining parts of the country. The bulletin has been issued to regional Met departments in New Delhi, Kolkata, Shimla, Dehradun, Patna, Gangtok, and other Flood Meteorological Offices (FMOs).
Meanwhile, in business news, Wagh Bakri has launched a 'super premium' category tea, priced 30-40% more than its existing products. Elsewhere, Malpani Group has opened Central India's largest water park in Indore.
The forecast cautions that as the lead time of weather predictions increases, forecast accuracy decreases, implying vigilance and timely action are crucial. Continuous monitoring by the IMD and disaster management authorities advises action based on orange and red color warnings in vulnerable urban and hilly areas prone to flooding and landslides.
In summary, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh currently have heightened flash flood risk driven by continued heavy rainfall and unusual weather patterns, while Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim remain vulnerable but with no immediate high alert as per latest data available.
- Despite the launch of a 'super premium' category tea by Wagh Bakri, the focus remains on the heightened flash flood risk in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall and unusual weather patterns.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'low to moderate' flash flood risk in certain areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, while continuous monitoring and timely action are crucial due to increasing lead time of weather predictions decreasing forecast accuracy.
- In the business sector, alongside the launch of Central India's largest water park by Malpani Group in Indore, the IMD's Land Surface Model indicates 85-99% soil saturation over the AoC Met subdivisions and 50% soil saturation over the remaining parts of the country, raising concerns for potential flooding and landslides.
- While the current data does not highlight imminent flash flood warnings comparable to Uttarakhand’s districts in Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, these states are part of the larger eastern Himalayan and monsoon-influenced region vulnerable to heavy rainfall and resultant floods during the monsoon season, making vigilance and timely action crucial.
