In Odisha, many districts of the state are experiencing very heavy rainfall with some areas seeing extremely heavy rainfall due to the low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal near the coasts of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. Met Department has issued a red alert for southern districts of the state for today.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports that the Southern district of Odisha, Malkangiri, is experiencing relentless downpour since this morning following which NH-326 and the surrounding bridges have submerged, disrupting connectivity. Schools and Anganwadi centres in the district have been closed and flood waters have entered homes.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to move northwest and intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. Following this, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Khordha and Nuapada districts are expected to get heavy rain.
Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are also possible in many parts of Odisha. Capital city Bhubaneswar is also experiencing incessant rain since yesterday accompanied by moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning, disrupting normal life.
Life has been thrown out of gear in many parts of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall. In the last 24 hours, the highest rainfall of 120 mm was recorded in Katuwala of Mandi district, followed by 110 mm in Nagrota Surian in Kangra. Several roads including three national highways have been closed for traffic due to landslides. During this monsoon season so far 263 people have lost their lives and 37 are missing.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports, continuous rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to rivers and streams overflowing. In Mandi district, the water level of the Beas River has risen due to the release of additional water from the Pandoh Dam. Similarly, the water level of the Sutlej River is also rising, leading to the collapse of a portion of the Shimla-Mandi road near Tattapani, while the main bridge in the area is under threat. In Sirmaur district, the Yamuna River is in spate at Paonta Sahib, disrupting movement on NH-707.
Additional water has also been released from the Giri Jaiton Dam in the district. The state government has issued a strict advisory, urging people to stay away from rivers and streams. In view of the situation arising from heavy rains, the administration has ordered the closure of all the educational institutions today in Mandi Sadar, Ani and Banjar sub-divisions of Kullu district, and Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district.
In Kerala, the Meteorological Department has extended the orange alert to three districts. Earlier this morning, Kannur and Kasaragod were placed under orange alert with a forecast of heavy to very heavy rain. By 1 pm, Wayanad was also included in the list. Eight Kerala districts are under yellow alert with chances of heavy rain.
Heavy rains pounded Mumbai on Monday morning, disrupting traffic and delaying local trains, with the IMD extending its red alert till August 19. Mumbai’s lakes are now 90 per cent full, easing water supply concerns Mumbai is witnessing another spell of heavy monsoon showers, with intense rain lashing Andheri, Ghatkopar, Navi Mumbai and parts of South Mumbai.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports, as heavy rainfall continues to impact the city and traffic snarls disrupt daily life, air services too have been affected on Monday. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) issued an advisory urging passengers to check flight status before travelling and to leave earlier to avoid traffic congestion. Today, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed schools and colleges in Mumbai to remain closed due to a red alert.
