Torrential downpours strike numerous Indian states, inciting flood warnings and chaos
Monsoon Wreaks Havoc Across India: Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and North Bengal Under Alert
Heavy monsoon rains have caused chaos and destruction in various parts of India, with Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and North Bengal bearing the brunt of the weather fury.
In Kerala, multiple districts including Thrissur, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Idukki are under red alerts, with rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. Orange alerts have been issued for eight other districts, and yellow alerts for two districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued heavy to very heavy rainfall until at least August 7, due to cyclonic circulations and offshore troughs influencing the region. The warnings have led to mudslides, widespread waterlogging, and restrictions on mining and tourist activities.
The Sasur Khaderi river has caused knee-deep waterlogging in residential areas in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, while the River Ganga has risen dangerously close to the red mark in Varanasi, reaching 69.98 metres against the 71.26-metre danger level. The situation has prompted a ban on boat operations at Tulsi Ghat. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mobilised an 11-member ministerial team across 12 affected districts in Uttar Pradesh to manage the crisis.
North Bengal is also under red flood alerts, with Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Kalimpong being warned of very heavy rainfall until Tuesday. Rivers like Teesta, Torsa, and Jaldhaka are expected to swell, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in the hill districts.
Meanwhile, South Bengal, including Kolkata, will face high humidity without significant rainfall until midweek. However, heavy rain is forecast for North Dinajpur, Malda, and South Dinajpur.
The monsoon rains have not spared Delhi either, with Sunday's heavy rainfall bringing relief from humidity but also leading to waterlogging in multiple areas. A political exchange between AAP and the BJP-led city government occurred due to the state of drainage infrastructure in Delhi. Former CM Arvind Kejriwal shared videos of waterlogged roads, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has since conducted inspections and promised quicker implementation of modern drainage systems and real-time monitoring.
These developments reflect a widespread and severe monsoon impact across these regions of India, characterized by persistent, heavy rainfall causing floods, infrastructure disruptions, and emergency measures. Relief operations are underway in multiple parts of the country, but the scale and spread of the rainfall present logistical challenges that will require coordinated efforts across state and central agencies.
Sources: - Kerala monsoon alerts and impacts: Onmanorama (2025-08-04 to 2025-08-06) [1][3] - Heavy rains and flood alerts in Uttar Pradesh and North Bengal: Gulf News (2025-08-03), Skymet Weather (2025-08-04) [2][4]
- despite the political discord over the state of drainage infrastructure in Delhi, both AAP and the BJP-led city government are now faced with addressing the heavy rainfall that has led to waterlogging in various parts.
- as North Bengal deals with red flood alerts and the risk of flooding and landslides, residents of South Bengal, including Kolkata, are experiencing high humidity instead, with only North Dinajpur, Malda, and South Dinajpur forecast for significant rainfall.
- while weather-forecasting agencies warn of continued heavy rainfall in Kerala until August 7 and the possibility of flooding in North Bengal, news reports suggest that food production in these regions remains unaffected due to the resilience of farmers in adapting amidst the monsoon challenges.
