IMD warns of extremely heavy rain in east India, flood risk in Odisha, Jharkhand
IMD Warns of Extremely Heavy Rain Across Eastern India
Theindiapostdaily.com – New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a critical weather alert, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across extensive regions of eastern, northwestern, and southern India. This significant weather event is being driven by two active low-pressure systems that are expected to intensify over the next two to three days. Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential disruptions as the department has also announced a low to moderate flash flood risk for several districts in Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
According to the weather office, a low-pressure area likely to form over the coastal regions of Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal will be a primary driver of this weather pattern. This system is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall over Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next three days. The IMD has advised local authorities to remain vigilant as water levels in rivers and streams may rise rapidly.
Regional Rainfall Distribution and Timeline
In a separate development, another low-pressure area situated over southwest Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall over northwest Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on Thursday. This system will contribute to the overall moisture content in the atmosphere, potentially extending the duration of rainfall in these northern territories.
Meanwhile, southern India is also bracing for significant precipitation. Kerala and coastal and south interior Karnataka are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. The weather office noted that isolated heavy rainfall is likely to persist across many parts of northwest and adjoining central India, as well as the northeast, through most of the week.
The IMD has advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow safety guidelines issued by local disaster management authorities.
In northwest India, widespread rainfall is forecast over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between 8-13 August. Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are likely to receive widespread rainfall during 8 August, while east Rajasthan is expected to witness widespread showers from 8-12 August. Jammu and Kashmir is also likely to receive intermittent rainfall through the forecast period, adding to the cumulative precipitation across the northern belt.
Across central India, widespread rainfall is expected over east Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha during 8-11 August, west Madhya Pradesh during 10-12 August, and Chhattisgarh on 8 August and 12-13 August. In eastern India, widespread rainfall is likely over Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim throughout 8-13 August, while Bihar is expected to receive widespread rainfall during 8-9 August.
Flash Flood Risk Assessment and Recent Observations
The IMD also issued a low to moderate flash flood risk valid for several districts of Odisha, including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Keonjhar; Gangetic West Bengal, including Purulia, Bankura, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore; and multiple districts of Jharkhand, including Ranchi, East and West Singhbhum, Hazaribag, Bokaro, and Ramgarh. Surface runoff and inundation are likely in low-lying areas and locations with saturated soils.
Meanwhile, very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm was recorded over Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha, and Kerala during the past 24 hours. Heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was also reported from Assam, Nagaland, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan, coastal Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are most vulnerable to flash floods?
Districts in Odisha (Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar), Gangetic West Bengal (Purulia, Bankura, East and West Midnapore), and Jharkhand (Ranchi, East and West Singhbhum, Hazaribag, Bokaro, Ramgarh) are currently under flash flood watch.
How long will the heavy rainfall continue?
The IMD forecasts that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall will persist across affected regions for the next two to three days, with some areas experiencing widespread showers until 13 August.
What rainfall amounts have been recorded recently?
Very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm was recorded in Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha, and Kerala over the past 24 hours, while heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was reported in several northeastern and southern states.