Due to the active flow of south-west monsoon and the cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, the weather patterns have changed rapidly in different parts of the country. Releasing the latest weather bulletin, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert of heavy to very heavy rain in many states of North-West, Central, East and North-East India. Torrential rains, especially in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, pose a serious risk of landslides, boulder falls and swollen rivers.
Intermittent heavy rains in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have affected local life and traffic:
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Uttarakhand: Heavy rain with thunder and lightning is forecast in districts like Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. The risk of road blockage due to landslides on mountain highways has increased. The administration has instructed the pilgrims and tourists traveling on Chardham Yatra and mountains to be extremely cautious while traveling on sensitive routes and proceed only after seeing the weather updates.
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Himachal Pradesh: In view of the possibility of intense rain and flash flood in sensitive areas of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba, the local disaster management authority has put teams on alert.
Monsoon activities have also intensified in the states of plains and central India:
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Odisha: Due to moisture coming from the Bay of Bengal, many districts of Odisha have been warned of heavy to extremely heavy rain and strong winds with a speed of 40 to 50 km/hour. Fishermen in coastal areas have been advised not to venture into the sea.
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Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: There is a possibility of lightning and widespread heavy rain in East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for the next few days, which may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas.
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Bihar and Jharkhand: Cloud movement and moderate to heavy rainfall are expected to continue in many districts of Ganga plains, especially Jharkhand and Bihar.
Due to the activity of monsoon winds in Northeast India, continuous heavy rains with thunder and lightning are being recorded in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Due to heavy rainfall, the water level of Brahmaputra and its tributaries is being continuously monitored, while there is a possibility of mudslides and loss of road connectivity on the hill slopes of Assam and Meghalaya.
The Meteorological Department has appealed to the people to adopt safety measures during heavy rains and storms:
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Do not take shelter in open fields, trees or under electric poles during thunderstorms and lightning.
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During heavy rains in hilly areas, stay away from river banks and possible landslide prone zones.
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Avoid driving on waterlogged roads and underpasses and follow local administration and traffic advisories.