Monsoon Delays and Heavy Rains Cause Regional Havoc
IMD Issues Alerts as Weather Patterns Shift Across India
As Delhi residents await the monsoon’s arrival, torrential rains lash Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued various alerts, highlighting the dynamic and uneven nature of this year’s weather patterns, causing widespread disruption and displacement across several states.
Delhi’s Monsoon Wait Continues
Despite repeated yellow alerts predicting the monsoon’s imminent arrival, Delhi remains dry. The IMD initially suggested the monsoon would cover Delhi within 24 hours. However, the capital saw only light rainfall on Thursday. Cloudy skies have lingered for days, but thunderstorms and rain are now forecast for Friday.
Kerala Faces Intense Rainfall
Meanwhile, the monsoon intensified in Kerala, particularly in Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts, prompting a red alert. The Met Department also issued an orange alert for seven other districts, forecasting heavy rainfall of 6 to 11 cm. Several rivers are overflowing, displacing many people.
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Himachal Pradesh Issues Orange Alert
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning of potential flash floods, rising river levels, and landslides. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Shimla Centre, reported widespread rainfall across the state over the past 24 hours, with Palampur receiving the most at 76 mm.
“Almost all regions in Himachal Pradesh received rainfall during the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall was recorded in Palampur at 76 mm, followed by Banjar at 75 mm. Moderate rainfall of around 55 mm was recorded in Sirmaur.”
—Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that landslides in the Himalayas are a frequent concern during the monsoon season, increasing by 20% in the last decade, causing significant infrastructure damage and loss of life (NDMA 2024).
River Levels Rising
Kerala’s irrigation department has issued alerts due to dangerously high water levels in multiple rivers, including the Muvattupuzha, Bharathapuzha, and others. In Wayanad, the Chooralmala River is in spate, eroding banks near the Bailey bridge. Authorities plan to release water from the Banasura Sagar dam.
The weather pattern is anticipated to change over the next few days. Intense rains are expected to return on June 29 and 30, particularly in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. The IMD urges caution for residents and tourists near rivers, streams, and steep slopes due to heightened landslide risk.