The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood alert for several states in Northeast and South India as the southwest monsoon gains strength after a brief lull. The department has categorized the warning into Red and Orange alerts, indicating the severity and preparedness levels required.
Monsoon Resurgence and Flash Flood Risk
The reactivation of the southwest monsoon has led to heavy rainfall in various regions. The IMD forecasts that some areas may receive rainfall exceeding 200 mm, increasing the risk of flash floods. The affected regions include:
- Northeast India: Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and parts of Assam are under an Orange alert, signaling a moderate to high risk of flash floods over the next two days.
- South India: Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe are under a Red alert, indicating a high risk of extremely heavy rainfall and potential flash floods.
Experts warn that the exceptional rainfall may lead to increased surface runoff, soil saturation, and flooding in low-lying areas, which could create conditions conducive to landslides.
Regional Impact and Localized Hazards
Kerala
Severe rainfall across Kerala has resulted in three deaths and two missing persons. The IMD has issued a Red alert for several districts, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The heavy rain has caused mudslides, uprooted trees, and submerged low-lying areas, particularly affecting Malabar districts where rivers are overflowing. In Wayanad, debris from a previous landslide was swept away by rising water levels. In Kozhikode, an elderly person went missing, and a car plunged into a stream, though all passengers survived. Relief efforts include opening camps in Kasaragod and evacuating residents from coastal and flood-prone areas. Additionally, strong winds and sea erosion have damaged homes in Thiruvananthapuram.
Karnataka
The IMD has issued Red and Orange alerts for 14 coastal and Western Ghats districts in Karnataka due to the aggressive return of the southwest monsoon. Additionally, a Yellow alert has been issued for the north and south interior regions of the state, including Bengaluru. The IMD forecasts that the current rainy and windy conditions will persist across Karnataka for the next four days. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Northeast India
The northeastern states are experiencing heavy rainfall due to a cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam. This system is bringing light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall to Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Arunachal Pradesh on June 29-30 and in Assam and Meghalaya on June 29.
IMD Alerts and Preparedness Levels
- Red Alert: Issued for areas with a high risk of extremely heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. Residents are advised to take immediate action and follow evacuation orders if issued.
- Orange Alert: Indicates a moderate to high risk of flash floods. Communities are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for possible evacuation.
The IMD has also launched the South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) to provide advance warnings and improve disaster preparedness across the region. This system aims to help disaster management teams and governments make timely evacuation plans ahead of actual flooding events. India is leading a delegation of nations, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, in sharing hydrological and meteorological data towards preparing flash flood forecasts.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Residents in the affected areas are advised to:
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor weather updates from the IMD and local authorities.
- Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Stay away from rivers, streams, and other flood-prone zones.
- Secure Property: Move valuable items to higher ground and secure outdoor objects that could be swept away.
- Prepare Emergency Kits: Have essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents readily accessible.
- Follow Evacuation Orders: If instructed by authorities, evacuate immediately and follow designated routes.
Conclusion
The IMD’s flash flood alert underscores the severity of the current monsoon conditions in Northeast and South India. With heavy rainfall expected to continue, residents in the affected regions must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By staying informed and prepared, communities can better withstand the challenges posed by these extreme weather events
Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
