IMD Warns of Heavy Rains Across Seven States

IMD issues red alert for heavy rainfall in Bihar, Jharkhand, and five other states, with potential for flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in seven states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The warning comes as a depression system moves across the region, promising intense precipitation over the next 48 hours.

As of 5:30 AM, the depression was centered 70 km south-southwest of Gaya (Bihar) and 60 km east-northeast of Daltonganj (Jharkhand). It is expected to continue its west-northwest trajectory, affecting multiple states in its path.

Jharkhand is bracing for light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with some regions potentially experiencing extremely heavy downpours. Bihar is forecast to receive similar conditions from August 3 to 6. Northern Chhattisgarh could see extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas on August 3.

The Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal is expected to face heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places from August 3 to 6. East Madhya Pradesh and East Uttar Pradesh are also on high alert for potential extremely heavy rainfall on August 3, with conditions gradually improving in the following days.

East Rajasthan is not exempt from the weather system's impact, with a forecast of isolated extremely heavy rainfall on August 4.

The IMD warns of several potential impacts, including localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, reduced visibility, and increased travel times in urban areas. There's also a risk of damage to vulnerable structures and the possibility of landslides and mudslides in hilly regions.

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Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Local authorities are on high alert, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams already deployed in some areas, such as Ranchi and Deoghar, to assist with potential rescue operations.

As the weather system progresses, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in mitigating potential risks associated with the heavy rainfall.