Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued by IMD: States on High Alert, Forecast, and Safety Tips

Introduction

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert across several parts of India as an active low-pressure system moves through the southern and eastern regions. With monsoon conditions intensifying, many states are expected to receive widespread rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the coming days.
According to the IMD, multiple states have been placed under Yellow, Orange, and Red Alerts, signaling varying degrees of caution for residents, travelers, and authorities.

Let’s take a detailed look at the IMD forecast, affected regions, safety measures, and what citizens need to know during this heavy rainfall phase.

IMD’s Forecast: Where Heavy Rainfall Is Expected

As per the IMD’s latest weather bulletin, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the following regions over the next 3–5 days:

• Maharashtra (Konkan and Goa regions) – Moderate to heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

• Kerala and Coastal Karnataka – Very heavy rainfall predicted due to strong westerly winds from the Arabian Sea.

• Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal – Heavy rainfall with a risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.

• Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh – Intense downpours with landslide warnings in hilly districts.

• Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh – Possibility of cloudbursts and flash floods in certain regions.

The IMD has advised people in these regions to remain alert and follow local authority updates. Red Alert zones are those expected to face extremely heavy rainfall (above 204 mm in 24 hours), whereas Orange and Yellow Alerts indicate moderate to heavy rain with potential disruptions.

Understanding IMD’s Color-Coded Alert System

IMD uses a four-tier color code to convey the severity of weather conditions:

When a Red Alert is issued, people are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies ready.

Impact of Heavy Rainfall on Daily Life

Heavy rainfall brings relief from summer heat, but it also causes widespread challenges. As the monsoon intensifies, several cities are facing waterlogging, power outages, and traffic congestion. Here’s how daily life can be affected:

• Transportation Delays:
  Trains, flights, and buses may face delays or cancellations due to flooding on tracks or poor visibility. Major metro cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru often see traffic snarls during such weather.

• Urban Flooding:
  Poor drainage systems in cities can lead to severe waterlogging, disrupting normal life. Commuters are advised to avoid underpasses and low-lying roads.

• Power Disruptions:
  Continuous rain and lightning can damage transformers or power lines, causing outages.

• Health Concerns:
  Waterborne diseases like dengue, malaria, and cholera tend to increase post-heavy rainfall due to stagnant water.

• Agricultural Impact:
  While moderate rain benefits crops, excessive rainfall may damage standing crops, particularly paddy and sugarcane, in flood-prone regions.

Flood-Prone and Vulnerable Areas

Certain districts and regions are highly vulnerable to flooding and landslides during intense rainfall. These include:

• Konkan belt of Maharashtra (Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg)

• Coastal Karnataka (Udupi, Dakshina Kannada)

• Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh

• North-East India’s hill districts (Tinsukia, East Khasi Hills)

• Odisha’s coastal districts (Puri, Ganjam, Balasore)

Residents in these areas should follow official advisories closely and relocate temporarily if the local administration instructs.

Government and IMD Warnings

The IMD and state disaster management authorities have issued advisories urging people to stay cautious.
Key warnings include:

• Avoid traveling through flooded roads or near riverbanks.

• Turn off electrical power if water enters your house.

• Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea due to strong wind warnings along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal coasts.

• Urban local bodies have been directed to clear drainage systems and deploy emergency response teams in flood-prone areas.

Some states have activated disaster response forces (NDRF/SDRF) and opened control rooms to assist in rescue and evacuation if needed.

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Citizens

Staying safe during a heavy rainfall alert requires preparation, awareness, and calm action. Here are practical tips for citizens:

Before the Rainfall:

• Store essentials like water, dry food, torch, and batteries.

• Charge all electronic devices in advance.

• Move valuables and electrical appliances to higher ground if you live in a flood-prone zone.

• Keep emergency contact numbers handy (NDRF, local police, hospitals).

During Heavy Rainfall:

• Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

• Avoid using mobile phones or electrical devices during lightning.

• Do not wade through floodwater — it may be contaminated or conceal open drains.

• Avoid parking vehicles in basements or near trees and electric poles.

• Keep pets and livestock in safe, elevated places.

If Flooding Occurs:

• Switch off electricity at the main power supply.

• Move to a higher floor or rooftop if water rises.

• Follow announcements on radio, television, or the IMD app for evacuation instructions.

• Cooperate with local authorities and relief teams.

How to Stay Updated on Weather Alerts

To track the latest updates on heavy rainfall alerts, you can use:

• IMD’s official website: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/

• IMD Mausam Mobile App – Real-time rainfall radar and forecast updates.

• Twitter handles: @Indiametdept, @ndmaindia

• Regional Meteorological Centres for city-specific forecasts.

You can also enable Google weather notifications or use apps like AccuWeather, Windy, or Skymet Weather for timely alerts.

Climate Insight: Why Heavy Rainfall Events Are Increasing

Meteorologists have noted that extreme rainfall events in India are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
According to recent IMD studies and IPCC reports, factors include:

• Warming of the Indian Ocean, leading to increased moisture in the atmosphere.

• Irregular monsoon cycles caused by El Niño and La Niña phases.

• Urban heat islands, which amplify convective rainfall in metropolitan areas.

• Deforestation and poor drainage planning, worsening flood risk in cities.

Experts suggest that better urban planning, flood management systems, and climate resilience measures are crucial to minimize damage from such intense weather events.

Precautions for Motorists and Commuters

Rainy season driving can be risky. Keep these points in mind:

• Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance.

• Avoid sudden braking and use headlights during low visibility.

• Do not attempt to cross waterlogged roads.

• If visibility drops below 10 meters, park safely and wait for conditions to improve.

For bikers, wear rain gear and avoid flooded shortcuts. Always prefer main roads with proper lighting and drainage.

Authorities’ Actions and Relief Measures

State governments are on alert, with disaster management forces deployed across key districts.
In several regions, authorities have:

• Set up control rooms to coordinate rescue operations.

• Issued school closure notices in areas with heavy flooding.

• Deployed boats and relief teams in low-lying regions.

• Released dam and reservoir water carefully to avoid overflow.

Citizens are urged not to believe in rumors on social media and rely only on official channels for updates.

Conclusion

The heavy rainfall alert issued by IMD is a reminder of nature’s power and the need for preparedness.
While monsoon rains are essential for India’s agriculture and ecosystem, extreme rainfall poses serious challenges to safety and infrastructure.

By staying informed, following weather advisories, and taking proactive precautions, we can reduce the risks and protect lives during such events.
Always remember — awareness and preparedness save lives.