The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for several states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
“Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is very likely over West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand during next five days,” said a statement in the IMD bulletine.
Torrential rainfall in Uttarakhand
Predictions have been made for torrential rainfall across Uttarakhand till July 5 and an Yellow alert has also been issued in view of moderate to heavy rains in Dehradun as well as hilly areas of Uttarakhand in the coming days.
In a bid to keep the situation under control, Additional Director General of police (ADG) Law and Order, V Murugesan, has said that teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed along the Amarnath Yatra route, as well as in sensitive disaster areas.
“SDRF and NDRF are on full alert and instructions have been given to them to deal with any possible eventuality,” the ADG said.
Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rain warning till July 1
The weather department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on June 28 and 29, along with a warning for thunderstorms and lightning on June 30 and July 1.
According to the Principal Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma, tourists have been advised to avoid venturing into rivers and drains and download the IMD app on their mobile phones to get area-specific information and follow the guidelines.
Himachal Congress president Pratibha Singh on Tuesday has also urged the Centre for a special package to expedite relief and rescue operations in rain and flood-affected areas.
As per the emergency operation centre (EOC), as many as six people lost their lives in the past 24 hours in Himachal in various rain-related incidents, which include, drowning, landslides, road accidents and falling from a height,
Heavy rains in Maharashtra and Goa
Heavy rainfall continues to lash several regions of the western part of the country including Goa's capital city, Panaji, which was flooded on Tuesday night due to incessant rains.
Goa has been receiving rain since last weekend.
"Monsoon surge will accentuate over #Mumbai. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected to be seen between today and June 30. The city has already exceeded 300 mm and will surpass its monthly mean very soon. #MumbaiRain #MumbaiRains", tweeted SkyMet.
Gondia and Bhandara districts of eastern Maharashtra have received heavy rainfall over the last two days.
Four gates of Pujaritola dam were opened following the rainfall. Gondia Collector Chinmay Gotmare has asked people living on the riverbanks to remain alert.
Agriculture Superintendent Hindurao Chavan asked farmers to wait before starting sowing and paddy nursery work.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Mumbai and Thane districts till Thursday, while an orange alert has been issued for the Palghar and Raigad districts for the same period. Mumbai is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on Wednesday.
