Indias monsoon season has taken a turn this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts. Heavy rainfall is battering Maharashtra. The bad weather has caused problems, including deaths, landslides, waterlogging and transport issues. Other states in India are also expecting showers.
Mumbai Under Red Alert
On Monday the IMD upgraded its warning for Mumbai from orange to red. The city may see heavy rainfall and strong winds of 80-90 kmph. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has told people to stay indoors and avoid flood- areas, trees and seafronts. Around 15,000 civic personnel are working across the city to manage rain-related emergencies.
Far 11 deaths have been reported due to the heavy rains and strong winds. Schools, colleges and some government offices in Mumbai are closed. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has advised companies to let employees work from home. Non-essential government offices will only work for half a day.
Transport Chaos Across Maharashtra
The transport infrastructure is badly affected. A landslide near Thakurwadi has disrupted train services. Central Railway has cancelled, diverted and rescheduled trains. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was temporarily closed due to rain. Many areas, like Nalasopara have seen roads flooded with water. Air travel is also affected. IndiGo has warned passengers that bad weather in Mumbai and Pune may impact flight schedules.
Whats Driving the Extreme Weather
The IMD says the bad weather is caused by factors. A low-pressure area is over the Bay of Bengal. The seasonal monsoon trough and an offshore trough are also contributing to the weather. A western disturbance is affecting India. These systems will cause rainfall across India in the coming days. A depression has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal. This will make rainfall worse in India.
Other States on Alert
While Maharashtra is worst affected the IMD has warned of rainfall in other states. The west coast, including Konkan, Goa, Gujarat and Madhya Maharashtra will see monsoon conditions. Coastal areas of Konkan and Goa lying regions of Gujarat and the ghat sections of Madhya Maharashtra are vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.
In the north Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will see rainfall. Delhi will see rain activity from July 5. Southern India will also see rainfall. Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep will see rainfall. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will also see rain.
Impact on Agriculture
Experts are worried about the effect of the rain on the kharif sowing season. Extended waterlogging can damage sown crops.
The IMDs alert for Mumbai is still in effect. Authorities are advising people to avoid travel and follow safety advisories. Both urban centers and rural farming communities are, on alert.
