India is experiencing intense rainfall across many regions, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several areas. This article will explain the situation, what is being done, and the impacts of these heavy rains.
Red Alert in Mumbai
Mumbai is facing severe weather, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert. This means the city can expect heavy rains that could c
ause serious disruptions. In response, the authorities have closed all schools and colleges for safety reasons. The police are advising residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Flight Disruptions
Due to the heavy rains, the weather has affected air travel in Mumbai. Two flights were diverted, and seven had to return to their origin. This has caused inconvenience for many travelers. Those planning to fly should check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Rainfall in Surat
In Surat, heavy rain has caused significant water accumulation. The city saw two inches of rain in just two hours. Such sudden downpours can lead to waterlogging and traffic issues, making it difficult for people to move around safely.
Impact in Other States
Heavy rainfall is not limited to Mumbai and Surat. Other regions like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are also experiencing rain. In Madhya Pradesh, 21 districts received rainfall, with Khandwa recording 2.25 inches in just 9 hours. In Uttar Pradesh, some areas, especially Mathura, faced severe flooding, with water reaching two to three feet deep in certain locations.
Ongoing Weather Patterns
The IMD has predicted that rainy conditions will persist in South Gujarat for the next 72 hours. Additionally, a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal could lead to further rain in 11 districts of West Bengal and 20 districts of Odisha over the next few days.
Flood Alerts in Bihar
Bihar is facing serious flood risks as well. Currently, 12 districts are affected, with approximately 12.67 lakh people impacted. The Ganges River is eroding its banks, leading to fears that homes near the river may be submerged.
Upcoming Rain Predictions
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for parts of Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat. A warning has been issued for rainfall of up to 20 cm in these areas, with 12 cm expected in several states including West Bengal and Sikkim.
Changing Rainfall Patterns
Interestingly, rainfall patterns are shifting across India. Regions in the Gangetic belt, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are receiving less rain compared to western states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, which are experiencing above-average rainfall. This year, Rajasthan recorded 157% of its expected rainfall, while Gujarat received 141%.
Climate Change Concerns
Weather experts suggest that these changing patterns may be linked to climate change. Over the past ten years, except for a couple of years, this trend has been consistent. The overall rainfall for this monsoon season has already exceeded expectations, with 105% of the average rainfall recorded.
The current monsoon season is proving to be both challenging and unusual for many parts of India. With heavy rains leading to flight cancellations, school closures, and flood alerts, it’s important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Keeping an eye on weather updates can help everyone stay safe during these unpredictable weather conditions.
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