Severe Weather Advisory Today: Intense Rainfall Predicted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal, Triggering Flood Alerts
Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Flooding Across Northern India
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is steering monsoon activity across eastern and central regions of India, leading to severe flooding in several states.
Severe Flooding in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand
Severe flash floods hit Jammu and Kashmir on 14th August, mainly in the Kishtwar district, causing at least 61 unconfirmed fatalities, over 250 missing persons, and more than 300 injuries. In Uttarakhand, a flash flood on 5th August in the Uttarkashi district resulted in at least five deaths and left many missing. Rescue and search operations are ongoing in both areas, with further heavy rain predicted over the next 72 hours.
Monsoon Risks Across India
Although explicit details about impacts in Delhi-NCR, Himachal, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are not specified in the most recent reports, these states typically face monsoon-related risks. The severity in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand suggests that northern and central India are currently vulnerable to flash floods from heavy monsoon rains.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Elsewhere
Heavy rain on Thursday caused severe waterlogging in Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodhi Road, and areas near the Delhi-Haryana border, bringing road traffic to a standstill. In Maharashtra, beneficial rains have been recorded, with Wardha recording 110 mm in just nine hours. Parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, are under a red alert with moderate to heavy rainfall expected through the coming days.
Flood Threats and Rescue Operations
Heavy to very heavy shower spells are expected as the low-pressure system advances westwards in eastern and central India. In Lucknow, schools from Classes 1 to 12 were closed due to torrential downpours submerging parts of Gomti Nagar in knee-deep water. Rescue operations are ongoing in Shimla's Rampur subdivision, where flash floods following cloudbursts destroyed bridges, shops, and a police outpost, cutting off road access.
Dams and Flood Control Measures
Dam releases were managed at Irai, Isapur, and Bembla in Maharashtra without any reported damage, offering drought relief and supporting reservoirs. A temporary lake, approximately 400-500 metres long, formed near Harsil in Uttarakhand, raising concerns about downstream flooding if the natural dam gives way.
Alerts and Precautions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated the alert from orange to red in Delhi, forecasting heavy rain through 17th August, with some forecasts extending to 19th August. Authorities have issued precautionary alerts and placed flood control teams on standby in Delhi-NCR. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for the northern districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Bareilly, Lakhimpur, Shahjahanpur, Bahraich, Balrampur, Gonda, and Maharajganj, with rainfall expected through 15th August.
IMD Forecasts and Agriculture Relief
The IMD forecasts heavy rain on 15th August in Madhya Pradesh, offering hope for relief in agriculture and water supply. The monsoon has resumed in Madhya Pradesh, specifically in Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, and Betul. The water level at the Old Railway Bridge in Delhi's Yamuna river is 204.43 metres, close to the warning mark of 204.50 metres.
Ongoing Preparedness and Challenges
The broader picture in India is one of ongoing preparedness as the monsoon surge continues into mid-August. The monsoon has caused various issues, including waterlogging and commuting disruptions in urban areas, heightened flood risk, infrastructure disruption, and ongoing rescue operations. Urban areas in Telangana are experiencing waterlogging and commuting disruptions due to the intensifying monsoon surge.
Sports events across the country have been postponed or cancelled due to the heavy monsoon rains and subsequent flood threats, as various sports facilities have been inundated or rivers have crossed danger levels, posing a risk to athletes and spectators. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more heavy rainfall, cultural events and festivals inpleted districts may also be affected, as they often take place outdoors. It's crucial for such events to align with weather-forecasting updates to ensure public safety and successful celebrations.
