The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued urgent rainfall alerts for several states, with some regions facing potentially extreme downpours over the coming days. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and prepared.
Multiple states are under various levels of weather alerts as monsoon activity intensifies:
Extremely Heavy Rain: Coastal Karnataka and Telangana face warnings for extremely heavy rainfall through August 29. The IMD has specifically warned of extremely heavy falls in these regions today (August 28).
Orange Alert (Very Heavy Rain): Uttarakhand is under an orange alert for significant rainfall.
Yellow Alert: Goa, Mumbai, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu can expect moderate to heavy showers.
Recent measurements show significant rainfall across affected regions, with Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre reporting extremely heavy rainfall in coastal areas.
The IMD’s extended forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Telangana, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka until August 29. This pattern stems from the interaction between western disturbances and the monsoon trough.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) reports the Yamuna River in Delhi has reached 205.39 meters as of Wednesday evening, exceeding the danger mark of 205.33 meters. By Thursday, the level rose further to 205.45 meters, marking the second consecutive day above the danger threshold.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Goa has issued a yellow alert with persistent showers likely affecting Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The IMD advisory emphasizes that residents should stay updated with local advisories, avoid low-lying areas, and plan accordingly for safety and preparedness.
If you’re in affected areas:
- Avoid driving through waterlogged roads
- Watch for submerged power lines to prevent electrocution
- Keep emergency supplies (torch, dry food, drinking water) ready
- Farmers should secure harvested crops and ensure proper field drainage
These flood safety tips can help protect you and your family during heavy rainfall events.
The monsoon has already taken a heavy toll this season. Recent reports indicate that over 300 deaths have occurred in Himachal Pradesh since June 20, while Jammu and Kashmir has reported 41 deaths due to recent heavy rains and landslides.
The IMD attributes current rainfall to western disturbance and monsoon trough interactions, a pattern that typically brings multi-day rain spells to coastal and Himalayan states. Scientists have noted these patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change impacts on the Indian monsoon.
The rain warnings remain in effect across multiple states. Local authorities recommend staying tuned to official channels for updates as the situation develops. Understanding lessons from past floods can help communities better prepare for these increasingly common weather events.