As the monsoon tightens its grip across the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several northern and northeastern states. With cloudy skies predicted over Delhi for the coming week and sporadic showers likely, the capital too remains on cautious footing.
States including Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are under a weather watch, as heavy rainfall continues to lash several regions, triggering concerns over flooding and landslides.
Flash Floods, Landslides Wreak Havoc in the Hills
Among the worst-affected is Himachal Pradesh, where flash floods and landslides have caused significant devastation. As per official reports, at least 105 lives have been lost in rain-related incidents in the hill state alone. The relentless downpour has damaged roads, washed away homes, and disrupted connectivity in several mountainous districts.
The IMD and state authorities have sounded a landslide and cloudburst alert for all major hill states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal, Sikkim, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists have been advised to defer non-essential travel to hilly terrains until conditions stabilize.
Northeast and Central India Also on Edge
The flood threat has escalated across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim, where continuous rainfall has swollen rivers and submerged low-lying areas. Videos emerging from these regions show submerged villages, stranded vehicles, and rescue operations in full swing.
Karnataka’s Shivamogga district has also seen water levels rise drastically due to persistent monsoon showers, with state disaster response teams working round the clock to mitigate damage.
River Levels Rising in Multiple States
With rain continuing to pour across central India, rivers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand are nearing danger marks. Several local administrations have issued alerts to residents living near riverbanks to stay vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations.
The IMD also warned of very heavy rainfall in West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya within the next 24 hours, cautioning that waterlogging and urban flooding may severely affect normal life.
Rainfall Patterns Show Stark Contrasts
While the overall monsoon data looks promising, with India receiving 331.9 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 16—9% higher than the normal 304.2 mm—the distribution remains highly uneven.
States like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Ladakh have seen much higher-than-average rainfall, while others—especially in the northeast and southern parts—are grappling with rainfall deficits.
- Jharkhand recorded a staggering 71% surplus with 595.8 mm of rainfall, compared to a normal of 348.9 mm.
- Rajasthan saw an even more dramatic jump, receiving 271.9 mm against a usual 125.6 mm—116% above normal.
- In contrast, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of northeastern India remain under-deficit categories.
Looking Ahead: A Delicate Balance
Experts believe that while surplus rains help recharge water bodies and support agriculture, excessive rainfall over short periods—as is currently being witnessed—can be equally destructive, especially in hilly and low-lying regions.
The current weather trend underlines the urgent need for early warning systems, sustainable drainage planning, and flood-resilient infrastructure, especially in climate-vulnerable zones.
